Football is sometimes like this — Daniel Farke’s rueful post-match summary after Leeds United outplayed Tottenham on the stats but left Elland Road empty-handed. Goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, both their first in the Premier League, were enough to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Spurs, leaving the newly-promoted Whites to ponder what might have been.
Leeds, buoyed by strong recent form, created the better chances across 90 minutes and pushed a Champions League outfit to the limit. But as so often in the Premier League, fine margins told the story. Tel struck in the first half before Noah Okafor levelled, only for Kudus to punish a slip at the back after the restart.
Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day, could not hide his frustration: “We had more than enough chances to win this game. Performance-wise I can just compliment the lads, we won every metric. But football is sometimes like this. We were the better side against such a top team.”
Leeds’ frustration underlined by Farke’s words
Despite defeat, Leeds registered an expected goals tally of 1.66 to Tottenham’s 0.52, fired more shots on target, and forced Guglielmo Vicario into multiple saves. Farke lamented both errors and fortune: “Sometimes you need just a scruffy goal, a bit like they scored today.”
He added that six goals in the last three matches shows progress for his side: “It says a lot about my team that we are on such a good path.”
Key Match Stats (2025/26 season)
| Stat | Leeds United | Tottenham |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.66 | 0.52 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 3 |
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
source: sofascore match data – 4 October 2025
The stats underline Farke’s frustration: Leeds created enough to win but Spurs were ruthless at the right moments.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William: “This match showed the Premier League’s brutal efficiency. Leeds were vibrant, aggressive, and arguably superior. But Tottenham’s summer signings Tel and Kudus produced clinical quality at both ends of the pitch. That’s the difference between survival football and chasing Europe.”
He added: “Farke’s comments are telling — he knows his side are on the right trajectory. Yet unless Leeds find a killer instinct in front of goal, they will keep losing games like this.”
Key Insights
- Mathys Tel scored his first Premier League goal after focused finishing work in training.
- Mohammed Kudus netted his first Tottenham goal with a decisive deflected strike.
- Leeds boss Daniel Farke: “Football is sometimes like this” after his side outshot Spurs.
- Spurs recorded their fifth different centre-back pairing in 10 league games but held firm.
- Guglielmo Vicario was arguably man of the match with several key saves.
What’s Next?
Leeds travel to face Burnley on 18 October, aiming to convert positive performances into points. Farke will demand sharper finishing after another near-miss.
Tottenham return to London for a clash with Aston Villa on 19 October. Tel and Kudus will look to carry their momentum forward as Spurs push for a Champions League return.
👉 Were Leeds truly the better side — or is this ruthless edge why Tottenham remain in the top four race?
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