Leeds 1–2 Tottenham: Player Ratings as Kudus Shines and Tel Opens His Account
Tottenham picked up a hard-fought 2-1 win at Elland Road on Saturday, ending their dreadful run of seven straight defeats in pre-international break Premier League fixtures.
Thomas Frank rang the changes after Tuesday night’s dramatic Champions League draw in Bodo/Glimt, making six switches to his starting XI. Cristian Romero returned from injury, while Xavi Simons, Destiny Udogie, Joao Palhinha, and Mohammed Kudus all came back into the lineup. Mathys Tel led the line in place of Richarlison, who was rested.
Leeds threatened early when ex-Spur Joe Rodon crashed a header against the post with Guglielmo Vicario stranded. But it was Spurs who struck first: Rodrigo Bentancur won the ball in midfield, Kudus slipped it into Tel, and the young Frenchman’s deflected strike beat Karl Darlow.
Kudus squandered a golden chance to double the lead, blazing over from close range, and Tottenham were punished when Vicario spilled Brenden Aaronson’s deflected shot, allowing Noah Okafor to pounce.
Tel went close again before halftime, seeing his header rattle the bar. After the restart, Kudus made amends with a driving run and low strike that deflected into the corner for his first Spurs goal. Despite late Leeds pressure, including a big save from Vicario to deny Joel Piroe, Tottenham held on for the win.
Here’s how the players rated:
Guglielmo Vicario – 7
Shaky in the first half, flapping at a free-kick and spilling Aaronson’s shot, but redeemed himself with crucial stops after the break. Big save from Piroe sealed the points.
Pedro Porro – 5
Struggled in possession and never really stamped his authority. Full of effort, short on quality.
Cristian Romero – 8
A warrior at the back. Took his knocks, made his clearances, and kept Spurs organized. His leadership was vital.
Micky van de Ven – 7
A couple of nervy moments but generally solid. His pace helped Spurs recover in key moments.
Destiny Udogie – 6
Caught napping for Okafor’s equalizer but grew into the game. Supported attacks well, though decision-making let him down.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7
The heartbeat of midfield. Won the ball brilliantly for Tel’s opener and covered tirelessly. A proper shift.
Joao Palhinha – 6
Sloppy at times and booked for a rash block, but steadied himself in the second half.
Xavi Simons – 6
Showed glimpses of quality but lacked end product. Needs to sharpen up his final ball.
Mohammed Kudus – 9 ⭐ Man of the Match
Electric from the start. Set up Tel’s goal, constantly stretched Leeds, and scored the decisive winner. Leeds simply couldn’t handle him.
Mathys Tel – 8
Opened his Spurs account with a deflected strike, hit the bar with a clever header, and linked play well. Battled hard before being subbed.
Wilson Odobert – 7
His best display yet. Created danger with crosses, released Udogie superbly, and worked back diligently.
Subs:
Richarlison – 5 (quiet, one deflected effort).
Pape Matar Sarr – 6 (energetic cameo).
Kevin Danso – N/A (late sub to shore up defence).
Brennan Johnson – N/A (came on in stoppage time).
