Yorkshire Evening Post

Leeds United produced a massive performance to beat West Ham 2-1 over the weekend and one star has been rewarded with a place in WhoScored’s Premier League Team of the Week. Early goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon put the Whites two goals up inside 15 minutes and a strong defensive showing kept the Hammers largely at arm’s length.

Mateus Fernandes pulled one back for the visitors late on but it proved little more than a consolation, with Leeds claiming their third Premier League win of the season to pull six points clear of the relegation zone. There were several standout performances on Friday, namely opening goalscorer Aaronson who was given a 9/10 in YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth’s player ratings.

The American was labelled ‘monstrous’ by BBC pundit Troy Deeney and has been named in WhoScored’s Premier League Team of the Week. Take a look below to see who else made the cut, including top performers from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and more.

The latest transfer talk from Leeds United as the Whites turn their focus towards the January transfer window.

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Leeds United are already planning for the January transfer window as they look to build on what was a hectic summer of recruitment.

The Whites brought in ten new additions at a cost of around £100 million as the likes of Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach and Gabriel Gudmundsson all arrived at Elland Road and joined Daniel Farke’s ranks ahead of the new Premier League season.

Thoughts have turned towards securing further new additions ahead of the January transfer window and there have been suggestions the Whites will focus their attention on bringing in a winger and another striker as they look to preserve their top flight status and ensure their Premier League stay is extended beyond a solitary season.

However, Leeds will also look retain the services of several players and a number of their brightest prospects - and there have been reports suggesting highly-rated youngster Harry Gray is right at the top of that list. The 17-year-old forward has been a regular goalscorer in the Whites youth ranks and he has made a solitary senior appearance after he came off the bench during the final weeks of last season in a 6-0 win against Stoke City. Gray was an unused substitute in the 3-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last month and there is an expectation the youngster will push for a first top flight appearance before the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be keen on a move for Gray as they look to reunite him with older brother Archie - but one recent report has suggested the Whites are planning a move to warn off interest from elsewhere.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Premier League Show on Monday, reporter Rob Jones said: “Leeds United remain hopeful that Harry Gray will soon sign his first professional contract. After several reports claimed that Tottenham were interested in reuniting the striker with his brother Archie in north London.”

What has Daniel Farke said about Harry Gray and Archie Gray?

Speaking ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to Elland Road earlier this month: "Archie's way how to develop as a young player and show maturity is always a role model for each and every young player. But I don't want to put too much weight on Harry's shoulders. He's playing in a different position and you need different skills and even personality. You need natural arrogance, not to be too big time, but in terms of self confidence and being cheeky. Just give me the ball and I'm the main man. I wouldn't compare too much. He's still on the way to develop and he's a different age."

An image has been released of a man wanted for throwing an object onto the pitch during a recent Leeds United game.

Court - a weekly round-up of the best court stories and analysis from correspondent Nick Frame

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The incident occurred during the game against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road last Saturday (October 4), which the Whites lost 2-1.

If anyone recognises the man in the below picture or has any other information that could assist the police investigation, they are asked to contact West Yorkshire Police’s dedicated football officers through the LiveChat function or by calling 101, quoting 13250569788.

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A 28-year-old man from Leeds has already been charged with throwing a missile onto the pitch in relation to another incident during the same game.

He has been released on bail to appear before Leeds Magistrates’ Court next month.

Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker discussed Leeds United's defeat against Spurs on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast.

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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has praised Leeds United for aspects of their performance in Saturday’s defeat against Tottenham Hotspur - but has identified as ‘big difference’ between the two sides at Elland Road.

With Daniel Farke’s men looked to extend their unbeaten run to a third game, it was the visitors that struck the first blow as Netherlands international Mathys Tel fired them in front midway through the first half. To their credit, the Whites reacted positively to falling behind and continued to create chances as the half-hour passed. They got their reward when former AC Milan forward Noah Okafor grabbed an equaliser with his second goal for the club ten minutes before half-time.

Despite creating further chances to grab the lead either side of the interval, the Whites fell behind for a second time in the game as former West Ham United star and Spurs record signing Mohammed Kudus grabbed what would be the winning goal just before the hour-mark to ensure Thomas Frank’s side head into the international break sitting in third place in the Premier League table.

For Leeds, the break will offer a chance to reflect on a hectic opening two months to the season that has ended with Farke’s men sitting four points and three places above the relegation zone. There were some positives to take from Saturday’s frustrating defeat - and former England captain Shearer believes there was one key part of the game that led to the visitors taking the points.

He told The Rest is Football podcast: “I think the big difference for Spurs was that Leeds had more possession, more shots, had the better chances and they put Spurs under huge pressure at times - but what impressed me was how good Spurs were on the transition, on the turnover. They got the ball forward quickly, the two full-backs were great I though in Porro and Udogie and I gave great credit to Mathys Tel because he’s left out of the Champions League squad. I was really impressed with Spurs and it was a great win for them.”

What did Daniel Farke say about Leeds United’s defeat against Spurs?

Speaking after the game, the Whites boss told the YEP: "I would have liked to think in two or three situations we would hit the target. But we played one of the top sides in the country today, playing in the Champions League, they have top class quality. To be in the game and to dominate in many periods, this is what is quite encouraging, it's what I like to see. I'm proud of how far we've come as a club and a team."

Leeds United’s fans have had their say on Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.

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Leeds United fell to a third defeat of the Premier League season as Tottenham Hotspur left Elland Road with a 2-1 success - but what the club’s fans think? Here is what our YEP Jury had to say including complete agreement on the best Whites player against Thomas Frank’s side but a ‘big problem’ emerging for Daniel Farke’s team.

MIKE GILL

On Saturday, in filthy conditions, United lost by the odd goal in three, but somehow, it was impossible to feel too badly about it.

The thing is that although there is a long, long way to go, the Whites have proved that they are capable of competing at Premier League level.

Leeds were first out of the traps and pinned Spurs back in the early exchanges, with Joe Rodon hitting the post with a header. Mathys Tel broke the deadlock on 23 minutes when he ran on to a through ball from the impressive Mohammed Kudus.

Pascal Struijk could not catch him but stuck his foot out, deflecting the shot past a helpless Karl Darlow.

Eleven minutes later, the Whites were back in the game when Dominic Calvert-Lewin set Brenden Aaronson up, the American lashed a shot goalward to see it parried away by Guglielmo Vicario.

The ball came straight to Noah Okafor at the far post. He duly slotted the ball home to the delight of the Elland Road crowd.

The Londoners ramped up the pressure in the second half, and Kudus dribbled his way across the Leeds area before scoring a fine goal

United refused to capitulate and fought back, but sadly to no avail.

Man of the match: Noah Okafor.

“Leeds must learn how to do that”

DAVID WATKINS

Another case of ‘what might have been’. Leeds were competitive throughout, but missed too many big chances, and crucial moments favoured Spurs.

We also saw again how mistakes are punished at this level.

There were early big chances for Joe Rodon, a header that struck the woodwork, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who delayed and then missed the target. Between those Leeds chances, Tel’s shot took a deflection sufficient to beat Karl Darlow.

The Spurs’ lead was brief, though, and good work from DCL set up Brenden Aaronson. Vicario initially saved, but Okafor stabbed home the loose ball. Spurs then hit the bar, and Kudus spooned a great chance over in a chance-laden first half.

After the break, the deflection on another DCL shot wasn’t enough to beat Vicario, and then came a costly mistake as Gudmundsson allowed Kudos to get past and shoot past Darlow with yet another favourable deflection.

Joel Piroe's late shot needed a bigger deflection, but instead, Lady Luck sent that one close enough to Vicario to push it away. Fine margins.

Spurs employed all the dark arts to close out the game; ugly and annoying, but effective. Leeds must learn how to do that.

Man of the match: Noah Okafor.

KEITH INGHAM

In abysmal conditions Leeds’ unbeaten home run ended with a 2-1 defeat to Spurs.

The defeat came because once again Leeds failed to take opportunities while Spurs took two of theirs, albeit their goals came through deflections.

The inability to finish is becoming a big problem that could be detrimental to their chances of staying up.

Leeds could have been in front in the opening minutes but Joe Rodon headed against the post.

They also had another opportunity but Calvert-Lewin failed to hit the target.

As last week showed, if you don’t take your chances you pay for it, Tel beating Darlow with a deflected shot just after 20 minutes. Leeds though, as last week, sought an equaliser and after Aaronson’s superb shot was saved, Okafor netted from close in.

Spurs went ahead through another deflected shot by Kudos just before the hour. As the rain poured down Leeds had opportunities to level but failed to take both of them.

Calvert-Lewin failed to beat Vicario from just outside the six-yard box and substitute Piroe brought the best out of Vicario in injury time.

It’s hoped that Willy Gnonto is fit for two really important games after the international break. Leeds really could do with someone who offers a little bit of ‘magic’

Man of the match: Noah Okafor.

“Seemingly unwilling to punish”

NEIL GREWER

Leeds United were unfortunate whilst Spurs were efficient.

Both Spurs goals, one in each half, were deflections off the unfortunate Pascal Struijk which gave Karl Darlow no chance. Noah Okafor had equalised for Leeds, tapping in following Vicario’s save from a Brenden Aaronson shot.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a glorious chance early in the second half after taking a pass from Okafor and turning brilliantly but then putting his shot too close to Vicario who made a decent stop. A game changing moment gone!

There had been earlier and would be later attempts which, when on target, were saved. Leeds bossed the stats – apart from the one that matters.

Had Leeds equalised though, Spurs may have found another gear aided by a strong bench, but they held out, via timewasting and the ‘dark arts’ with a referee seemingly unwilling to punish.

However, once again, Leeds competed with a top team – a draw would not have flattered them and the fine details and small margins again proved costly. Despite defeat, Leeds can take positives from the game and the way the season is panning out. A disappointing, yet encouraging performance.

Man of the match: Noah Okafor.

ANDY RHODES

This may have been a first home defeat of the 2025/26 Premier League season for Leeds United but they won’t be disheartened by the performance.

The Whites matched their London opponents for the full 90 minutes and were arguably worth a point.

As usual at this level, though, it was clinical finishing that told the true story.

Spurs may have benefited from two deflections but direct running and pace caused problems, with both goals coming down Leeds’ left wing.

Putting the ball in the back of the net is what will keep Leeds away from the drop zone.

Noah Okafor found the target once again but Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed another few golden opportunities.

His goals will obviously come – he’s doing everything else right – but the Whites are looking more confident going forward with him in the side.

A break will now give Daniel Farke and his side time to refresh themselves before important games against Burnley and West Ham United.

Fans will be hoping for six points from those fixtures, and there’s no reason why we can’t get them.

A new Tottenham star has served up Leeds United praise.

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New Spurs star Mathys Tel has served up Leeds United praise in revealing what he was told about the football club ahead of Saturday’s clash at Elland Road.

France youth international forward Tel completed a permanent switch to Tottenham in the summer from Bayern Munich after last season’s loan move and the attacker got a first experience of Elland Road in Saturday’s Premier League clash.

Twenty three minutes in to it, Tel fired Tottenham into the lead and ultimately on the way to a 2-1 success but one followed by praise for “very difficult” Leeds and the club’s home ground.

“That’s what I saw”

Speaking post match to SPURSPLAY, Tel was asked what he made of a first trip to Leeds and said: "Everybody said to me, ‘when you go to Leeds, the game is going to be very difficult.’

"That's what I saw today. It was a tough game for us but we showed a big mentality, we all worked together from the first minute until the last so I am very happy and we need to keep going. I think we deserved to win this game."

Mohammed Kudus starred to help Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-1 victory against Leeds United.

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Tottenham star Mohammed Kudus has made a Leeds United claim on the back of Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Elland Road.

Summer signing Kudus lined up at Leeds having already bagged four assists from his first six Spurs outings and the winger bagged another and also a first goal in victory for Thomas Frank’s side.

With the score goalless, Kudus firstly sent Mathys Tel away to put Spurs ahead and the Ghana international star then netted after the break to put Spurs back in front after Noah Okafor had equalised.

Leeds created a host of decent chances but it was Spurs who left with all three points and Kudus has claimed that “who wanted it more” proved key to success.

"We knew that we had to match that”

Speaking post match to SPURSPLAY, Kudus said: “I think the game was less about tactics, it was about grit and dedication and who wants it more because they are running, they are fighting for the ball.

"We knew that we had to match that intensity and I think that was what the game was about.

"I think everyone was on top form for us to get the win."

Kudus celebrated his goal by running over to the South Stand and sitting on a seat in front of United’s supporters.

Asked about his celebration, he quipped: “That was the closest chair I could find"

The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s 2-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

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Leeds United go into the international break with eight points and more than their fair share of what-ifs.

Against Tottenham Hotspur the Whites were, once again, very competitive and could consider themselves unfortunate not to take a point from the game. Keeping themselves in the match gave them an opportunity to take points but missed chances were to blame for the second week running.

Here's the YEP take on Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Elland Road.

Good day

Joe Rodon

The ex-Spurs man is proving he's up to this level. Losing to his former side will not have felt good and you could see the frustration in his body language in the final moments but he's started the season well and against a very good attack he acquitted himself well.

Bad day

Pascal Struijk

His start to the season has been good enough to keep Jaka Bijol out of the side but this was a disappointing afternoon. He was unable to defend Mathys Tel for the first goal and couldn't do enough to stop Mohammed Kudus for the second. In between he was beaten in the air as Karl Darlow and the bar saved Leeds.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Without the striker doing that lone targetman role, Leeds would not have a lot of the chances they create because they simply wouldn't have the platform to play from. Calvert-Lewin is winning aerial battles, knocking the ball down and bringing others into play. But he's not taking the chances that are presenting themselves. He's had five in the last two games. He has to be finding the net.

Thomas Bramall

A refereeing performance that held promise in the first half when he was letting things go. Then he wobbled and became very inconsistent and started to award very soft free-kicks for just about anything. Leeds were right to feel aggrieved given the inconsistency and how so much went the visitors' way. His inability to deal with time-wasting was particularly disappointing. But officiating did not cost Leeds any points in this game.

Off-camera moments

Director Peter Lowy emerging into the directors box long before the game with a huge grin. "I love this place, feels like coming home," said the billionaire heir.

Jermaine Defoe taking a break from his broadcast duties to sign autographs for young Leeds fans down at the front of the West Stand.

Stuart Dallas, in the mandatory pundit shoes, having a joke and a hug with Jack Harrison on the pitch, while Lukas Nmecha and Defoe had a catch up.

Home fans giving Archie Gray's name a little cheer as it was announced over the public address system pre game.

Thomas Frank exchanging warm greetings with Edmund Riemer and Chris Domogalla as he passed the home dugout. Daniel Farke then emerged and had a long embrace with the Spurs boss.

Pascal Struijk escorting little mascot Noah off the pitch so that Ethan Ampadu could fulfil his captain duties for the coin toss.

“A rendition of 'you're Leeds and you know you are”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin using a Spurs offside as a chance to go back and have a chat with Karl Darlow about his long kicks upfield and where they should go.

Gray coming out to warm up in the first half to a rendition of 'you're Leeds and you know you are' from the Kop and West Stand.

Joe Rodon having a word with himself as he prepared to attack a second half set-piece with Leeds 2-1 down, visibly geeing himself up.

Jack Harrison and Pascal Struijk having a conversation about what they needed to do as a new left flank pairing while they waited for Spurs to make a change.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison having a former Everton reunion on the pitch as Noah Okafor went and complained to the officials. Ampadu had already shepherded a number of his team-mates away from the officials.

Archie Gray going on a lap of Elland Road to applaud the remaining fans and having a brief chat with Dallas.

There was obvious disappointing around Elland Road on Saturday afternoon when Leeds United fell to a narrow defeat against a Tottenham Hotspur side sat in the top four of the Premier League table.

It was the visitors that struck first as Mathys Tel opened the scoring midway through the first-half - but Daniel Farke’s men hit back before half-time as Noah Okafor grabbed an equaliser with his first home goal for the Whites.

However, it was Spurs that went on to claim all three points as former West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus grabbed the winning goal just before the hour-mark.

Despite receiving the unwavering support of the Elland Road faithful once again, Leeds were unable to find an equaliser during the final half-hour and fell to their first home defeat of the season.

But how does Leeds United’s average home attendance compare to their Premier League rivals?

Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has given his assessment of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

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Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin made an honest Leeds United admission in the face of defeat to Tottenham Hotspur with a personal chances declaration.

Leeds suffered a third defeat of the Premier League season in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Thomas Frank’s side who left Elland Road with a 2-1 victory through strikes from Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel.

Noah Okafor provided the sole goal for Daniel Farke’s Whites but Leeds squandered several good other chances and Calvert-Lewin - who had two of them himself - admitted his team were guilty of not putting Spurs to the sword when they should have.

On a personal front, Calvert-Lewin sliced one good chance wide before later being denied by a strong save from Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario’s legs.

The striker also squandered three good chances in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth but the 28-year-old is taking recent misses on the chin and thinking only about making the next chance count for his new side.

"Frustrating. A frustrating afternoon,” said Calvert-Lewin to TNT Sports.

“We should have taken advantage and we didn't”

"I think we were in positions in the game where we should have taken advantage and we didn't.

"Against good teams like Spurs you get punished so frustrating."

Pressed on Leeds producing a good competitive overall performance against Spurs, Calvert-Lewin declared: "It's what we expect from ourselves. We can compete at this level and more.

"We knew that Spurs were a good side, I think probably against the run of play we went 1-0 down and then worked hard to get ourselves back in the game.

"There were good chances for myself and others that we perhaps should have taken but that's the way it goes in the Premier League."

Pressed whether it was a case of chances just not falling for Leeds, Calvert-Lewin reasoned: "Not today, that's the life of the striker but you think about the next one constantly and make sure the next one is a goal."