Tottenham Hotspur held on to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Leeds United in a thrilling Premier League clash at Elland Road. The match was filled with chances, momentum swings, and fine margins, but it was Mohammed Kudus who proved decisive, scoring his first goal for Spurs in the second half.
Leeds will feel they deserved more from the contest after pushing Thomas Frank’s side to the limit, but Tottenham’s clinical edge in key moments was the difference.
First-half: Woodwork, drama, and goals
Leeds almost made a dream start in the 6th minute when Joe Rodon met a free-kick at the far post and powered a header against the woodwork. It was a let-off for Spurs, who struggled early to deal with Leeds’ set-piece threat.
Tottenham struck first in the 23rd minute. Mathys Tel timed his run perfectly, broke free, and from the edge of the box unleashed a fierce effort. The strike took a deflection, wrong-footing Karl Darlow, and nestled in the net to give Spurs the lead.
Leeds responded with intensity. Rodrigo Bentancur’s error gifted Dominic Calvert-Lewin a clear opening, but the striker blasted over when he should have equalised. Spurs almost doubled their lead moments later when Kudus blazed over in space.
The missed chances were punished in the 34th minute. Leeds worked the ball into the box, and Noah Okafor was on hand to tap in the equaliser, sparking loud celebrations at Elland Road. Both sides had further opportunities, but the game was finely poised at 1-1 at the interval.
Second-half: Kudus makes his mark
Leeds began the second half brightly. In the 50th minute, Calvert-Lewin forced a smart low save from Guglielmo Vicario, before Anton Stach delivered a dangerous ball across goal that narrowly evaded his teammates.
Spurs hit back in the 57th minute with what proved to be the winner. Kudus collected possession on the edge of the area, drove laterally, and let fly. His effort took a big deflection off Stach and wrong-footed Darlow, giving Kudus his first Tottenham goal and restoring the visitors’ advantage.
Leeds pushed for another equaliser, with Sean Longstaff’s curling strike flashing just wide in the 71st minute. In stoppage time, Leeds created big chances but failed to convert, leaving Spurs to escape with three points.
Leeds United vs Tottenham Stats
| Stat | Leeds United | Tottenham |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.66 | 0.52 |
| Total Shots | 15 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 3 |
| Big Chances | 3 | 1 |
| Hit Woodwork | 1 | 1 |
| Passes | 463 | 366 |
source: sofascore match data – 4 October 2025
The numbers underline how unlucky Leeds were not to take at least a point. They created the better chances (xG 1.47 vs 0.52) and fired 15 shots to Tottenham’s nine, but lacked the composure in key moments.
Analyst Verdict: Clinical Spurs, wasteful Leeds
FootballPlace analyst John William summarised: “Leeds will feel aggrieved — they hit the woodwork, had better chances, and pushed Spurs right until the final whistle. But Tottenham had the quality to take the few chances they had, and that’s what separates mid-table sides from top-four challengers. Kudus’ first goal could be a turning point in his Spurs career.”
Key Insights
- Leeds hit the woodwork and created more chances but could not take them.
- Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus scored Spurs’ goals, the latter his first for the club.
- Noah Okafor scored Leeds’ equaliser in the first half.
- Expected Goals: Leeds 1.66 – Tottenham 0.52.
- Spurs climb the table, while Leeds rue missed opportunities.
What’s Next?
Leeds United face Burnley in their next league match, seeking to bounce back from a frustrating defeat. Tottenham host Aston Villa, with Kudus hoping to build on his first goal and Tel continuing his fine early-season form.
👉 Do you think Leeds were unlucky — or did Spurs show the ruthless edge of a top-four side?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 4 Oct 2025 14:32
Lucky Spurs
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