Tottenham could not take away all three points against Daniel Farke’s Leeds United, but they were still able to extend the initial one-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone to two points.
With 18th-placed West Ham United dropping points against leaders Arsenal this week, there was genuine hope around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that Spurs would take full advantage and claim all three points against Leeds United, but Roberto De Zerbi’s side ultimately became victims of their own actions in a frustrating evening in North London.
De Zerbi named an unchanged Spurs side from the team that had dominated Aston Villa in last weekend’s 2-1 victory, although the same level of control and authority was rarely seen here.
First half: Tottenham 0-0 Leeds United
It was a nervy first few minutes for the home side, who were still searching for their first home league win of 2026, but were still the beneficiaries of the game’s first big chance when Pedro Porro brilliantly played Richarlison through on goal, only for the Brazilian’s heavy first touch to allow Joe Rodon to recover. The former Spurs defender then forced Antonin Kinsky into a superb goal-line save at the other end from a Leeds corner.
As the half progressed, Tottenham slowly began to build pressure, with both Mathys Tel and Conor Gallagher seeing efforts deflected in front of goal, before Joao Palhinha danced his way into the Leeds box only to blaze over the bar with just Karl Darlow left to beat.
Richarlison then squandered another decent opportunity when he fired straight at Darlow from inside the box, and from the resulting corner, Porro saw a thunderous volley blocked on the goal line as Spurs continued to threaten without finding the breakthrough.
Second half: Tottenham 1-1 Leeds United
Tottenham finally found the breakthrough five minutes into the second half when Porro’s partially cleared corner fell kindly to Mathys Tel on the edge of the area, and the Frenchman curled a stunning effort into the top-right corner.
Spurs immediately had the chance to double their advantage moments later when Randal Kolo Muani picked out Richarlison inside the area. However, the Brazilian could only volley over the bar from close range in what felt like a massive missed opportunity.
That miss did prove to be costly when Mathys Tel unnecessarily caught Ethan Ampadu with an overhead kick inside his own penalty area. Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot following a VAR review before Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted to make it 1-1.
A deflated Tottenham Hotspur Stadium then erupted back to life when James Maddison entered the pitch for the first time in over a year.
Late in stoppage time, Kinsky produced a world-class fingertip save to deny Sean Longstaff before Spurs were denied what looked like a clear penalty when Maddison was tripped inside the box, as the points were ultimately shared.
FT: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1-1 LEEDS UNITED
Spurs Web man of the match: Antonin Kinsky
What’s next for Spurs?
Spurs will leave with a bit of regret given they were the better side for large parts of the game, and better finishing from those chances would surely have helped them walk away with all three points.
The gap between Tottenham and the relegation zone is now two points, with Spurs next facing London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a stadium they have not won at since April 2018.
However, Tottenham will still take some confidence into that clash given the Blues arrive on a seven-game winless run in the Premier League.