Leeds United ended Tottenham Hotspur’s run of three successive league victories as Noah Okafor’s late goal secured a 1-0 win at Elland Road on Saturday, November 7.
Okafor came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 79th minute, just 97 seconds after entering the match. The Switzerland forward exchanged passes with fellow substitute Harry Wilson before sending a low finish beyond Antonin Kinsky.
Tottenham had looked the more composed side during a cautious first half, but Leeds became increasingly influential after the break and created the clearer opportunities. Sean Longstaff came close to opening the scoring in the 76th minute, only for Kinsky to make an excellent save.
Leeds broke the deadlock three minutes later when Okafor completed the move involving Wilson. Tottenham responded by pressing for an equaliser, but James Trafford produced a crucial late stop to preserve the home side’s advantage.
The result continues Tottenham’s long-standing difficulty in recovering after conceding the opening goal. They have now gone 39 Premier League matches without a win when falling behind, drawing nine and losing 30. It is their longest such run in the competition.
The defeat also halted the progress made under Roberto De Zerbi, whose side had won their previous three league games before travelling to Elland Road.
Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus started for Tottenham and played for 83 minutes before being replaced by teenager Luca Williams-Barnett.
Kudus was one of Tottenham’s more dangerous attacking players, especially during the first half. He sent a threatening cross into the area that Archie Gray was narrowly unable to reach and repeatedly tested Leeds left wing-back Gabi Gudmundsson with his runs.
His performance will provide encouragement for Ghana as interim head coach Lars Kim Bjorkegren prepares to announce his squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia.
The two matches are scheduled for November 12 and 16 at the EssipongSportsStadium.
