Kudus inspires Spurs to victory as Leeds’ home run ends | OneFootball

Tottenham climbed to second in the Premier League after grinding out a 2-1 win over Leeds United  at a rain-soaked Elland Road, ending the hosts’ long unbeaten home run.

Leeds hadn’t lost in front of their own fans for over a year, but despite a spirited display, they were undone by a sharp Spurs side led by new signing Mohammed Kudus, who played a hand in both goals on the afternoon.

The home side started well and could easily have gone ahead when Joe Rodon’s header from Sean Longstaff’s free-kick came back off the post.

However, it was Tottenham who struck first. Kudus slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Mathys Tel, and the young French forward’s shot took a wicked deflection off Pascal Struijk to wrong-foot Karl Darlow for the opener in the 23rd minute.

Daniel Farke's side responded positively, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin spurning a good chance before linking up with Brenden Aaronson to help create the equaliser. Aaronson’s drive was pushed away by Guglielmo Vicario, but only as far as Noah Okafor, who was on hand to tap in and bring the hosts level 11 minutes before half-time.

As the rain came down harder after the break, the game tilted back in Tottenham’s favour. Calvert-Lewin tested Vicario once more, and Kudus saw a curling free-kick beaten away by Darlow. But moments later, the Ghanaian produced a touch of class - drifting across the edge of the area before rifling a low strike into the bottom corner to restore Spurs’ lead.

From there, Tottenham dug in. Pedro Porro and Richarlison both had chances to kill the game off, but Leeds kept pushing until the final whistle. Rodon, Bogle and Joel Piroe all threatened to snatch a late equaliser, yet Spurs held firm to seal all three points.

The result sees Leeds’ impressive home record finally come to an end and leaves them 12th in the table, while Tottenham move within a point of leaders Liverpool.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

7':

Opportunity wasted. Pascal Struijk of Leeds United attempted a header from the center of the penalty area but failed to convert. The assist came from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who also delivered a header.

10':

Missed opportunity. João Palhinha of Tottenham Hotspur takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sails over the goal.

Tottenham Hotspur takes the lead against Leeds United, 1-0. Mathys Tel scores with a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area after a quick counterattack.

23':

GOAL Tottenham: Mathys Tel (Tottenham) scores!

Mathys Tel scores goal number 1 in the competition (5 matches)

26':

Opportunity wasted. Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United attempted a shot with his right foot from the middle of the penalty area.

27':

Missed opportunity! Mohammed Kudus from Tottenham Hotspur took a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it sailed high and wide to the left. The assist came from Destiny Udogie.

It's now Leeds United 1, Tottenham Hotspur 1. Noah Okafor from Leeds United has found the net with a right-footed shot from close range, placing it into the bottom left corner.

34':

GOAL Leeds United: Noah Okafor (Leeds United) scores!

Noah Okafor scores goal number 2 in the competition (5 matches)

45':

Missed opportunity. Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed over the goal. The assist was provided by Xavi Simons.

Leeds United 1, Tottenham Hotspur 2. Mohammed Kudus from Tottenham Hotspur takes a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, finding the bottom right corner of the net.

57':

GOAL Tottenham: Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham) scores!

Mohammed Kudus scores goal number 1 in the competition (7 matches)

71':

Missed opportunity. Sean Longstaff from Leeds United attempted a shot with his right foot from outside the penalty area.

78':

Missed opportunity! Jayden Bogle from Leeds United took a shot with his right foot from outside the penalty area.

90 +2':

Missed opportunity. Pascal Struijk of Leeds United attempted a header from the left side of the penalty area but sent it wide to the left. The assist came from Ethan Ampadu, who delivered a cross.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match