Tel: “I worked this week a lot on finishing”

Tottenham Hotspur claimed a battling 2-1 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road, with summer signings Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus both scoring their first Premier League goals for the club. The pair spoke to TNT Sports post-match, reflecting on a hard-fought win that tested Ange Postecoglou’s men to the limit.

Teenage striker Mathys Tel was full of relief and joy after scoring in the 23rd minute to give Spurs the lead. The Frenchman capitalised on a through ball, drove forward, and fired a deflected strike past Karl Darlow.

Speaking afterwards, Tel revealed how much effort he had put in behind the scenes.

“That was a tough game for us. The opponent played very well. We deserved to win because we fought until the end. I worked this week a lot on finishing. I’m very happy for me. I hope I can help the team more and keep going. We are always together, work together and win together. I am very happy again about the win and what we showed. We just need to keep going.” — Mathys Tel to TNT Sports

The goal marked Tel’s first in the Premier League under manager Thomas Frank. The 18-year-old has made five appearances so far this season, showing glimpses of the potential Spurs invested in.

His stats on the day underlined his efficiency: just 13 touches, two accurate long balls, one effort on target — and one vital goal.

Kudus: “A big step in the right direction”

Mohammed Kudus was equally delighted after scoring the match-winner in the 57th minute. The Ghanaian attacker cut inside and unleashed a strike that deflected off Anton Stach and into the net, sealing the three points.

For Kudus, the goal was a long-awaited moment.

“I’ve definitely been waiting [for my first Tottenham goal]. As an attacker it boosts your confidence when you score. I want to give my team-mate [Mathys Tel] some credit. I am a big fan of how he trains and how he has kept on going. We now go to represent our country and come back with the same focus. This is a big step in the right direction.” — Mohammed Kudus to TNT Sports

Kudus’ comments reflect the camaraderie within the squad, as both scorers praised each other’s efforts in training and matches.

Analyst Verdict: Spurs’ new era takes shape

FootballPlace analyst John William assessed the impact of the two scorers: “Tel and Kudus represent Tottenham’s new direction — young, fearless, and hungry. For both to get off the mark in the same game is a huge boost. Their chemistry could define Spurs’ season, especially in tight matches like this where clinical finishing makes the difference.”

Key Insights

Mathys Tel scored his first Premier League goal, working on finishing in training beforehand.
Mohammed Kudus netted his first Spurs goal with a deflected strike in the second half.
Both players praised each other’s work ethic and training standards.
Spurs fought hard to beat Leeds United 2-1 despite being second-best in expected goals (1.66 to 0.52).
Ange Postecoglou’s side head into the international break with renewed belief.

What’s Next for Spurs?

Tottenham return to action after the international break against Aston Villa, where Kudus will look to build on his breakthrough and Tel aims to continue his progress. Both players now head off for national duty with confidence sky-high.

👉 Can Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus become the attacking duo that propels Tottenham into the top four this season?

Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus score first Premier League goals in Tottenham win