Tottenham Hotspur suffered yet another setback in their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 2-1 loss to Leeds United on Saturday.
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Tottenham Hotspur suffered yet another setback in their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 3-1 loss to Leeds United on Saturday. Goals from Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo handed Leeds a deserved Premier League win. Son Heung-min gave Spurs some hope when he equalised for the side in the first half. However, Bamford put Leeds back in front shortly after Son’s goal. Rodrigo then put the game beyond doubt with a cool finish late in tge game. The win leaves Spurs at sixth, 5 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Leeds, meanwhile, are in 9th spot having taken 50 points.
Spurs started the game knowing a win could put pressure on those ahead them. West Ham in fifth were only two points ahead, so a win would have put them right behind Chelsea in fourth.
However, Leeds are a tough side on their worst days. Marcelo Bielsa’s side are also thrilling in attack and clinical when the chances arrive. That was exactly the case in the 13th minute.
Leeds caused some havoc in the Spurs penalty area before the ball fell to Dallas. At the edge of the six yard box, he unleased a powerful shot past Hugo Lloris.
Yet Spurs showed some fight and, 12 minutes later, they were level. A through ball from Dele Alli was pounced on by Son, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper.
The game became more open, with both teams looking to get a second goal before half-time. It was the home team who succeeded. Ezgjan Alioski cut one back into the six-yard box and Bamford did the rest.
Given they were chasing the game, it was reasonable to expect Spurs would come out motivated. They did look to keep the ball but didn’t create a lot of quality chances.
They came close when Harry Kane struck the post with a free-kick, yet Leeds were resolute in defence. And their patience was rewarded 6 minutes from time.
Raphina broke down the left-hand side and found himself in space. He squared it to substitute Rodrigo, who curled the ball past Lloris. Spurs looked defeated.
They could have had one more but for a fine save from Lloris off Dallas.
