Okafor strikes as Leeds end Tottenham's winning run
Tottenham's run came to an end on Saturday in the Premier League. After three straight wins, Spurs lost at Leeds (0-1) on matchday 10. The defeat came with another blow for the London club, as French forward Mathys Tel went off injured in the first half.
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The game was marked by a controversial incident before the break. Following a tackle by Jayden Bogle, the Frenchman was caught on the back of his left ankle. Tottenham's players felt the challenge was dangerous, but it was punished only as a simple foul, despite a lengthy video review and protests over a possible red card.
Mathys Tel tried to carry on for a few minutes before eventually leaving the pitch limping. The extent of his injury and how long he will be out have not been specified.
Leeds make the difference in the second half
After a hard-fought first half, Leeds took control after the interval. The hosts piled on the pressure and created several clear chances. Dominic Solanke notably denied them the opener by clearing a Dominic Calvert-Lewin header off the line in the 50th minute.
Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky also made a fine save in the 75th minute, turning away a volley from Sean Longstaff. But he was powerless four minutes later against a well-placed strike from Noah Okafor, who had come on only seconds earlier. The Swiss forward thus scored the only goal of the game in the 79th minute.
Spurs lose ground in the table
The defeat ends Tottenham's positive run, and they remain tenth in the table ahead of the day's other matches. Leeds, for their part, did themselves a favour by climbing to eighth.
For Roberto De Zerbi's side, the setback also leaves uncertainty over Mathys Tel, whose possible absence could weigh on the London club's upcoming fixtures.