Laura Woods defends Alan Smith after footage of potentially awkward encounter goes viral

Sky Sports' Laura Woods has come to the defence of Arsenal legend Alan Smith after a hilarious video clip went viral of a potentially awkward encounter between the pair

Laura Woods has defended Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith after a potentially awkward encounter live on air went viral.

Woods was getting the thoughts of former Arsenal striker Smith during Sky’s coverage of their 2-1 win over Leeds United pre-game. The pair were in discussion as they took a stroll on the Emirates pitch, when Smith momentarily appeared to get too close to his colleague.

Smith suddenly turned towards Woods while staring deep into her eyes while taking his hand out of his pockets.

As his left arm comes round the back of Laura, he appears the former Arsenal striker may be about to embrace the Sky presenter.

The moment was captured on footage by eagle-eyed viewers, who suggested the 59-year-old looked as if he were about to "take leave of his senses".

But Smith merely adjusted his ear piece before taking a step back again.

One fan posted the potentially awkward encounter along with the caption: “I really thought Alan Smith was about to take leave of his senses then live on camera.”

The clip received over 20,000 likes and even got a response from Woods herself, who saw the funny side.

She tweeted in reply: "Don’t do Alan like this!” along with several emojis.

Smith had plenty to be cheerful about as his former side secured a vital three points against Leeds to continue their top-four push. The Gunners looked to be in for a straightforward afternoon after going 2-0 up in the first-half, while Leeds were a man down following a Luke Ayling red card.

But Leeds' 66th minute goal from a corner threatened to jeopardise the work of Eddie Nketiah, who netted a brace. Mikel Arteta's men were able to survive a late push from the away side and will go into Thursday's North London Derby hoping to clinch Champions League qualification.