Milestones, set-pieces and battling: The OPTA stats behind Leeds vs Tottenham | OneFootball

Leeds United host Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road this weekend, aiming to extend a strong start to their first season back in the Premier League. While Spurs arrive sitting fourth in the table, Leeds can point to several encouraging statistics ahead of the meeting.

Our friends over at Opta Perform have taken a look at the numbers and come up with seven reasons for optimism ahead of this weekend’s clash.

UNBEATEN RUN AT ELLAND ROAD

Leeds United are unbeaten in their last 23 home league games (W15 D8), a run stretching back to September 2024. Starting off with a 3-0 win over Coventry City, the sequence has included victories over promotion rivals in the Championship, as well as strong performances on their Premier League return. The combination of passionate support and defensive resilience has made Elland Road one of the toughest away trips in the country.

SET-PIECE STRENGTH

Leeds have scored four goals from set plays this season – the fourth-highest total in the Premier League. Only Arsenal (8), Liverpool (6), and Crystal Palace (5) have scored more from dead-ball situations. With the aerial power of Joe Rodon and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, alongside the delivery quality of Anton Stach and Brenden Aaronson, Leeds pose a consistent threat that Spurs must be wary of — particularly from corners and free-kicks.

LONGSTAFF INFLUENCE

Sean Longstaff has made an immediate impression since his first start on 30 August against former side Newcastle. In just a handful of matches, he has registered 19 tackles – more than any other Premier League player in that period (level with Spurs’ João Palhinha). Longstaff has also been influential in possession, creating eight chances, which ranks him fourth across the division. His box-to-box energy has added steel and creativity to Farke’s midfield, making him a player to watch in Saturday’s fixture.

BATTLING QUALITIES

Physical competitiveness has been a major strength for Leeds this season. Jack Harrison has won 75% of his duels — the second-highest rate among Premier League wingers. Ethan Ampadu, playing a crucial role in midfield, has won 66.7% of his duels, placing him among the top ten central midfielders. This ability to impose themselves in one-on-one battles is crucial against a Spurs team that looks to dominate the middle of the pitch.

SHARP FINISHING

Leeds’ attacking players have been efficient when chances have come their way. Lukas Nmecha is currently outperforming his expected goals tally (+0.03 per 90 minutes) — a sign of his composure in front of goal. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, has scored in two of his last three appearances and remains a major aerial threat. The Leeds frontline boasts a 16.2% shot conversion rate, comfortably above the league average of 13%, giving them an edge if opportunities arise on Saturday.

PAST PRECEDENT

While Tottenham have had the upper hand in recent meetings, Leeds can point to several big home victories in the Premier League era. The most recent came in May 2021, when Leeds beat Spurs 3-1 at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa. Historically, Spurs have struggled to string together consistent wins in West Yorkshire, having claimed just one victory in their last six visits in all competitions.

MILESTONE IN SIGHT

If Leeds United find the back of the net against Tottenham, it will mark a special milestone — our 800th Premier League goal. From Yeboah’s thunderbolts to Viduka’s four against Liverpool, every goal has written a part of the club’s story in the top flight. Another one against Spurs wouldn’t just be a number — it would be another moment in our proud Premier League history.