TOTTENHAM 1-1 LEEDS: Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty ensured that Roberto De Zerbi is still looking nervously over his shoulder after Mathys Tel went from hero to zero
Mathys Tel went from hero to villain as Tottenham wasted a huge chance to push themselves towards safety.
Tottenham forward Tel scored a sensational opener to put Spurs on course for a third straight win which would have put them four points clear of West Ham in the drop zone.
But Tel gave away a second half penalty for a reckless challenge on Ethan Ampadu which allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to smash home a penalty to snatch an equaliser.
It nearly got even worse as Tottenham keeper Antonin Kinsky made a sensational save from Sean Longstaff deep into injury time to stop them snatching all the points.
Tottenham home games have been pretty torturous for their fans this season – and this had a real element of make-or-break about it. Their Premier League survival would certainly not be decided with still two more games to go but victory would go a long way to keeping their heads above water and pushing West Ham closer to the drop.
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For once, there felt less pressure in the stadium and that was in partly because of a huge favour from their bitter North London rivals Arsenal. Arsenal’s win at West Ham not only meant Leeds were mathematically safe but it also meant Spurs had a real chance to climb away from danger.
The one uncertainty was how Leeds would approach the game with Daniel Farke’s men knowing the pressure was off with their Premier League status in tact. Tottenham started with lots of pressure and intensity but it was Leeds who actually had the best early openings.
Tottenham forward Tel inexplicably played the ball across his own penalty box, Kevin Danso made a brilliant last-ditch header to stop the ball reaching Leeds wing back James Justin.
Brenden Aaronson’s cross found Leeds defender Joe Rodon and his header was well saved by Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky. Tottenham began to turn the tide as Richarlison’s shot was well saved by Leeds keeper Karl Darlow and then Rodrigo Bentancur headed a big chance wide.
There was a massive sigh of relief from the home fans after Destiny Udogie clearly pulled back Leeds striker Calvert-Lewin only for VAR to rule it was offside otherwise it would have been a stonewall penalty. But just as the nerves were beginning to creep in, Tottenham changed the mood just after after half time.
Pedro Porro’s corner was only half cleared by Jaka Bijol and the ball fell invitingly for Tel on the left edge of the penalty area. Tel had enough time to control the ball, take a step forward and then curl a stunning 20 yard shot into the top corner.
That was his first goal since January and suddenly the roof came off Tottenham’s stadium as the home fans breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Tottenham only got their first win of 2026 two weeks ago and, after back-to-back wins at Wolves and Aston Villa, you could finally feel the upward momentum under Roberto De Zerbi.
Tottenham could have got a second soon after when Randal Kolo Muani crossed for Richarlison and the Brazilian slashed wide at the near post.
When you do not take your chances, football can come back to bite you. Sure enough, Tel’s reckless challenge caught Ethan Ampadu and, after a lengthy VAR check, referee Jarred Gillett gave a penalty.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up and smashed home to level it up and give Leeds’ travelling fans even more reason to celebrate.
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