After back-to-back draws in the league, Tottenham returned to winning ways as they emerged 2-1 winners against Leeds at Elland Road
The so-called ‘pre-international break curse’ was finally put to bed by Thomas Frank’s men as they won a fixture heading into the break for the first time since October 2023, ending a run of seven games.
After a run of disappointing performances, this was much closer to the kind of football Frank wants from his side, although it still had its nervy moments.
Having had to come from behind in three of their last four games, Spurs finally managed to get the first goal through Mathys Tel. Leeds hit back before the interval, but Mohammed Kudus grabbed his first Tottenham goal in the second half to seal the points.
There were not too many complaints about Frank’s starting line-up, with Xavi Simons finally given his natural number 10 role. The main grumble was seeing Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha paired again, rather than a more dynamic option like Pape Sarr or Lucas Bergvall.
First half: Leeds United 1-1 Tottenham
It was a fairly balanced opening but Leeds had the first scare for Spurs fans. Former Tottenham man Joe Rodon rose highest from a deep free-kick and sent his header crashing against the post, with Guglielmo Vicario caught in no man’s land.
At the other end, Palhinha tested his range from the edge of the box but fired over, before a couple of lively moments involving the Portuguese International and Wilson Odobert put Leeds under pressure.
Tottenham then managed to break through in the 23rd minute. Bentancur won the ball high and found Kudus, who slipped a clever pass in behind for Mathys Tel. The Frenchman’s shot took a nick off the defender and flew past Karl Darlow into the top corner.
Leeds responded well and should have levelled when Bentancur gifted Calvert-Lewin the ball in a dangerous spot, only for the striker to blaze over the bar. Kudus then spurned a decent chance at the other end, letting his first-time effort fly over the bar following a neat build-up by Tottenham.
But the equaliser did come around the half-hour mark. A low cross from Jayden Bogle was turned goalwards by Brenden Aaronson, which Vicario could only parry, and Noah Okafor reacted quickest to tap in from close range while Destiny Udogie was slow to cover.
Spurs almost restored their lead before the break when Tel’s looping header from an Odobert cross hit the bar, but the sides went in level.
Second half: Leeds United 0-1 Tottenham
Tottenham came out with more intent after the restart, looking to punish the newly promoted side on the counter. They nearly paid the price when Leeds broke from one of Spurs’ own attacks, only for Vicario to deny Calvert-Lewin with a superb low save.
After wasting a free-kick by hitting it straight at Darlow, Kudus quickly made amends. Pedro Porro’s ball down the flank was not dealt with by Leeds, and Kudus surged inside before drilling a low effort from the edge of the box. A deflection off Struijk wrong-footed the goalkeeper and Spurs had their lead back.
Leeds tried to respond, with Longstaff causing problems. His free-kick was flicked over by Rodon, before the midfielder himself dragged a shot wide from distance.
Spurs switched to a back five to close things out and almost nicked a third when Vicario’s long ball set Richarlison through, but the Brazilian’s shot deflected agonisingly across the face of goal.
Leeds threw everything at Tottenham late on, with Calvert-Lewin, Ethan Ampadu and Longstaff all squandering chances.
Their best moment came when Calvert-Lewin nodded down for Joel Piroe, but Vicario pulled off a brilliant stop to keep Spurs in front. That proved enough as Frank’s men left Elland Road with three valuable points.
What’s next for Spurs?
Tottenham’s away record this season has been the complete opposite of last year. Ranked first in the league table on the road with three wins from four, they look far more comfortable away than they do at home.
Fans certainly won’t complain after suffering twelve away defeats last season. Credit to Frank, he has instilled confidence in his players when travelling, something they lacked badly under previous regimes.
Of course, it helps that Tottenham are yet to visit the likes of Stamford Bridge, Anfield and the Emirates. Frank will only get the fairest judgement once those trips are ticked off.
The win lifts Tottenham from fourth to third in the table, though Crystal Palace could displace them with their game in hand.
For the first time since October 2023, Spurs supporters can head into an international break with a smile rather than two weeks of sulking over dropped points.
Next up, Tottenham welcome Aston Villa to north London on 19 October.