Leeds United lost their first game of the 2025/26 Premier League season at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke’s side suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
It’s the first time they’ve lost at home since February 2nd in the FA Cup, against Championship side Millwall.
A first-half goal from French starlet Mathys Tel gave the Lilywhites the lead, although Noah Okafor equalised for his side just before half-time. However, a long-range effort from Mohammed Kudus just before the hour mark was enough to secure Spurs the three points.
The North Londoners’ victory came despite pressure from the home side. Leeds dominated the ball against Thomas Frank’s side, having 57% of the possession. They didn’t waste that, either, taking 16 shots on goal and creating three big chances. However, just four of those were on target, with Joe Rodon also hitting the post.
It was certainly disappointing that Farke’s side couldn’t capitalise on their possession and the number of shots they managed. They had chances throughout the game, including four in added time, but failed to find the equaliser they needed to keep their excellent record at Elland Road.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.
Leeds’ best players vs. Spurs
As Leeds journalist Beren Cross said, there were plenty of “silver linings” to take after the clash with Spurs. One of the players who stood out was the goalscorer, Okafor. He doubled his tally in that famous White shirt today, after scoring in the 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The goal from the former AC Milan attacker showed excellent instinct in the penalty area.
He pounced on a loose ball in the penalty box after Tottenham’s goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, tipped Brenden Aaronson’s effort into vacant space in the six-yard box.
Another player who once again shone for Farke’s side was Sean Longstaff. Another of the Whites’ summer signings, the former Newcastle United star was the chief creator in that midfield three for Leeds.
Indeed, his stats from the game show just how well he performed. Longstaff was always busy in the midfield, having 64 touches of the ball and creating an impressive five chances. He also won five ground duels and four tackles.
Despite the strong performances from the likes of Okafor and Longstaff, not every Leeds player performed well. There was one attacker in particular who struggled.
The Leeds player who struggled vs. Spurs
Naturally, with the result being the way it was, there were a few Leeds players who somewhat underperformed against the Lilywhites. Pascal Struijk, for example, didn’t have his best game, and both goals were deflected off him.
However, it was another tough day for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Leeds striker joined the club on a free transfer in the summer, and whilst he has scored already this term, also against Wolves, his performances have left a little to be desired at times.
That was the case against Spurs, too. He only managed to get 23 touches of the ball, playing 90 minutes. That was fewer even than Karl Darlow in the Leeds goal, who had 43.
The England international only won two from 11 duels and had just one shot on target.
Touches
23
Pass accuracy
85%
Passes completed
11/13
Ground duels won
0/6
Aerial duels won
2/5
Shots
2
Shots on target
1
One person who seemed to think Leeds’ number nine struggled at Elland Road was Graham Smyth. The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist gave him a 6/10 for his efforts, and whilst he did credit Calvert-Lewin for the ‘hard work’ he put in, but said that ‘the finishing was missing again’ from his game.
It is certainly a problem for Leeds that their number nine is struggling in front of goal. Given they created so many chances, there surely would have been a hope that he could have got on the end of one.
Farke might well decide to drop Calvert-Lewin for Leeds’ next game against Burnley. It was a tough outing against the Lilywhites, and with Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha also options up front, it does give the manager flexibility.
If he does make that decision, it would not necessarily be a surprise. The England international has certainly not been at his clinical best up front, and with other centre-forwards in the squad, Farke may well decide to rotate him out of the side.
