Tottenham v Leeds LIVE: Why two pivotal moments went against Spurs in relegation battle | OneFootball

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi believes the officials “suffered the pressure” following VAR controversy in the West Ham-Arsenal game after Spurs dropped crucial points against Leeds in the battle for Premier League survival.

De Zebri felt the referee Jarred Gillet was “not calm” during the 1-1 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which featured yet more drama a day after West Ham saw a last-minute equaliser ruled out in the “biggest decision in VAR history”.

After giving Spurs the lead with a fine finish, Mathys Tel’s attempted overhead kick clearance struck Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu in the face, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring from the spot. Then, in the 13th minute of stoppage time, James Maddison went down in the box but VAR deemed Lukas Nmecha played the ball.

“I think they were not calm today, maybe they suffered the pressure of yesterday's Arsenal game,” De Zerbi said when asked about the decisions from the officials. “For sure we suffered the pressure today. We didn't play with passion with the ball, too frenetic but also the referee was not calm today.”

Spurs were bidding to move four points clear of West Ham with two games to go, but are now just two points clear of the Hammers ahead of their final two games of the season: an away trip to Chelsea and a home game against Everton on the final day. West Ham, meanwhile, go to Newcastle and then host Leeds.