Tottenham 1-1 Leeds: Tel Brilliance Cancelled Out As Spurs’ Held To Draw

Tottenham’s season took another dramatic turn as they were held to a tense 1-1 draw by Leeds, a result that edges them closer to securing their Premier League status.

Spurs looked set for a crucial victory after Mathys Tel produced a moment of real quality early in the second half, but the young forward’s evening unravelled when he conceded a penalty following VAR intervention.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin made no mistake from the spot to rescue a point for Leeds and leave Tottenham facing an increasingly nervy finish to their campaign.

With West Ham still to play Newcastle, the pressure is now firmly back on Spurs ahead of a trip to Stamford Bridge on May 19.

Tel’s moment of magic lights up Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

In a game loaded with tension, Tottenham started the stronger of the two sides, with Tel hinting at danger with a powerful effort that was deflected over before Joao Palhinha also threatened from close range.

The breakthrough finally arrived five minutes after the restart and it came in spectacular fashion.

Pedro Porro’s corner was only half-cleared to Tel on the edge of the box and the forward took one touch before curling a superb strike into the top corner for his fourth goal of the season.

It sparked life into Spurs and they should have doubled their lead soon after when Randal Kolo Muani burst through and squared for Richarlison, but the Brazilian blazed over from a promising position.

Costly mistake allows Leeds back into the game

Leeds were handed a route back into the contest through a hugely controversial moment involving Spurs’ goalscorer.

After Tottenham initially dealt with a delivery into the area, Tel attempted an overhead clearance but caught Ethan Ampadu in the face with a high boot.

Referee Jarred Gillett allowed play to continue before VAR instructed him to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, eventually awarding Leeds a penalty after a lengthy delay.

Calvert-Lewin kept his composure to fire low into the corner and silence the home crowd.

The equaliser shifted the momentum completely, with Leeds suddenly sensing the chance to take all three points.

Kinsky produces save of the season contender

The final stages descended into chaos as both sides pushed desperately for a winner during 13 minutes of stoppage time.

Leeds came closest when Sean Longstaff looked certain to score, only for Antonin Kinsky to somehow claw his effort onto the crossbar with a stunning reflex save that could prove vital in Tottenham’s survival battle.

It would be the story of the season if it was Kinsky that made the difference in Spurs’ fight to stay up after a turbulent few months for the keeper.

Spurs thought they might still have a late chance to win it when substitute James Maddison went down under pressure from Lukas Nmecha inside the area, but both the referee and VAR dismissed the appeals.

In the end, Tottenham survived late Leeds pressure to secure a point that may yet prove important.

De Zerbi: “Fighting relegation is different”

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted the pressure surrounding the relegation battle affected his players’ performance levels.

“We played a good game, not great but there was big pressure.” He told Sky Sports.

“We wanted to win immediately. In the end, I think we have to fight until the end of the season. Leeds played a good game.

“I am sorry for the penalty we conceded because Mathys Tel scored a great goal. He is very young and it is not a problem for me. I am happy for the attitude and mentality.

“We didn’t play well but fighting relegation is like this. Fighting relegation is different to fighting for Champions League.”

What the result means

The draw secures Leeds’ Premier League status after results elsewhere went in their favour this weekend, capping an impressive return to the top flight.

Spurs remain just above the relegation zone and could be overtaken by West Ham if the Hammers beat Newcastle, setting up a huge clash against Chelsea next week in what has become one of the most important matches in the club’s recent history.