London Evening Standard

Resurgent Spurs searching for third win on the bounce in relegation battle

George Flood

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham can take another step closer to Premier League survival as they host Leeds tonight.

After a shock 2-1 win at fifth-place Aston Villa last weekend to follow West Ham’s listless 3-0 loss at Brentford, Spurs leapfrogged their London rivals out of the bottom three by a single point with three games to go to offer real renewed hope of avoiding a disastrous first relegation to the second tier of English football since 1977.

It felt like a real momentum-changing weekend in the battle to avoid the drop as injury-ravaged Tottenham, albeit playing against a much-rotated team with one eye on the Europa League semi-finals, made it back-to-back wins under Roberto De Zerbi with arguably their best performance of the season - and it would have been three in a row were it not for a last-gasp equaliser conceded against Brighton last month.

Spurs will look to continue that feel-good factor as they host Leeds on Monday night, knowing they can move four points clear of West Ham after they were beaten by league leaders Arsenal.

This would previously have been dubbed as a massive relegation six-pointer, but Leeds - along with Nottingham Forest - have since had their survivals confirmed to make it a straight fight between Tottenham and West Ham, with Daniel Farke’s beaten FA Cup semi-finalists currently sitting 16th and seven points clear of trouble after winning three of their last four league games.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Tottenham vs Leeds is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off tonight, Monday, May 11, 2026.

The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.

Where to watch Tottenham vs Leeds

TV channel: The game will be broadcast live in the UK on Monday Night Football via Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the match live online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: Follow the action with Standard Sport’s live blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Spurs correspondent Sam Tabuteau at the ground.

Tottenham vs Leeds team news

Antonin Kinsky will remain in goal for Tottenham, with Guglielmo Vicario not yet ready to return from hernia surgery.

De Zerbi hopes that Dominic Solanke will be back in contention following a hamstring injury against Chelsea next week, with the Spurs boss reporting no fresh injury worries.

A lengthy injury list includes Cristian Romero, Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Ben Davies, while Richarlison did not train on Wednesday after a knock suffered against Villa.

No return: Tottenham will still be without first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario against Leeds

Getty Images

De Zerbi allayed any concerns after the win at Villa Park that Micky van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur had picked up new injuries, while James Maddison was an unused substitute for the third game in a row as he awaits his first appearance in a year following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Leeds are still without Swedish left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson due to a hamstring injury, while Bulgarian midfielder Ilia Gruev will miss the rest of the season with a meniscus knee injury sustained in training.

Tottenham vs Leeds prediction

Spurs fans will hope a real corner has been turned at last thanks to the impact of De Zerbi, whose methods appear to be having a real effect on the squad in the short-term.

Read More

Radical new corner rules proposed after Arsenal VAR controversy

Neville predicts exact date Arsenal will win title - and it's sooner than you think

How to watch Tottenham vs Leeds: TV channel and live stream

Sponsored

Art After Dark is back with an exciting calendar of cultural events

They seem to be playing with more belief, confidence and momentum at long last, showing so much more fight.

It would not be at all surprising to see them chalk up another vital win here, though Leeds are in strong form themselves and know how to grind out results.

While they have won only two away games in the league all season, eight of their 17 fixtures on the road have finished level, while Tottenham have only won two at home in the top-flight this term.

Draw, 1-1.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Spurs have won their last five games in a row against Leeds, including a Kudus-inspired 2-1 victory at a wet Elland Road under Thomas Frank back in October.

Leeds’ last win in this fixture was back in May 2021. They have not registered an away win over Spurs for 25 years.

Tottenham wins: 42

Leeds wins: 33

Draws: 29

Tottenham vs Leeds match odds

Tottenham to win: 4/6

Leeds to win: 16/5

Draw: 23/10

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

MORE ABOUT

When are the next Tube strikes? All the RMT walkout dates in May

When are the next Tube strikes? All the RMT walkout dates in May

Spurs boss knows new gameplan needed against impressive Leeds side

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

If the midfield is the heartbeat of a team, then Roberto De Zerbi has performed open heart surgery to get Tottenham moving in the right direction in the hunt for Premier League survival.

For so much of this season, Spurs’ dysfunctional midfield has looked short of courage, cohesion and creativity.

Amidst a plethora of options - Spurs have given minutes to eight different midfielders this season - finding a combination that can strike the balance between their responsibilities with and without the ball has been difficult.

That all changed against Aston Villa eight days ago, though, as Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha dovetailed superbly to guide Spurs to a precious three points.

The relentless Gallagher was deservedly named man of the match at Villa Park after leading from the front with a sweetly taken goal from the edge of the box.

Palhinha chased and harried every loose ball, while Bentancur provided control in possession to stem the tide of Villa pressure after half-time.

Everyone in Spurs’ midfield knew their role, their strengths and limitations - Palhinha, for example, would routinely drop into defence to allow right-back Pedro Porro to get on the ball while he covered the space in behind.

Roberto De Zerbi and Joao Palhinha

Getty

But De Zerbi knows that what worked so well against a hapless Villa side, will not necessarily work against Leeds on Monday night.

Back on home soil, Spurs will be expected to break Leeds down as they search for their first league win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since December.

That could prove an issue for Gallagher, who for all his industry and awareness in the final third, has struggled when asked to find the pass that he would prefer to get on the end of. Gallagher is better at attacking rather than creating space.

Read More

How to watch Tottenham vs Leeds: TV channel and live stream

De Zerbi makes Vicario admission amid uncertain Tottenham future

De Zerbi reveals Kulusevski return date in two-man Spurs injury update

Sponsored

Discover a hidden island paradise in the Indian Ocean

De Zerbi really likes Gallagher, describing him as Spurs’ “12th man”, but his long-term suitability as the No10 in his preferred 4–2-3-1 formation is under question.

That said, the most obvious change to Spurs’ midfield makeup seems to be swapping Palhinha back out for Yves Bissouma.

Bissouma has seen his minutes increase under De Zerbi and offers more dynamism than Palhinha, who excels when defending his own box.

There is also the question of whether Lucas Bergvall or Archie Gray, who De Zerbi thinks is future captain material, could come back into the team.

The pair have not been utilised much since De Zerbi took over, with the Spurs boss opting for experience in the heat of a relegation battle.

“For sure. Bissouma, Bentancur, Joao Palhinha, they have much experience. They already know about playing in this situation,” De Zerbi said when he spoke to the press on Thursday.

De Zerbi has offered hope for Bergvall, stating he is a player for both now and the future. But now perhaps is not the time for the unpredictability of youth.

De Zerbi will tweak things against Leeds. But he says there won’t be wholesale changes to his starting line-up or tactical instructions, as he does not want players to lose energy having to think too hard about adhering to a system.

Archie Gray has falled somewhat out of favour under Roberto De Zerbi

PA

He said: “We will change something in the occupation of the spaces, for sure. But I wouldn't like to give too many ideas, too many instructions. Especially in this moment, because I don't want the players to lose energy thinking what is the plan.”

Leeds are one of the “best teams at the moment”, according to De Zerbi, after taking 12 points from their last six league games.

Daniel Farke’s side play to their strengths, utilising their height and physicality to make teams uncomfortable.

And De Zerbi knows that three points is no foregone conclusion, even after Spurs’ recent upturn in results.

Ultimately, Spurs’ home form has been abject for the best part of two seasons now. But De Zerbi says his side are lucky to be playing at what is considered one of the most impressive stadiums in world football.

“Tottenham’s stadium is hot,” he said. “When I was here with Brighton, and two weeks ago against Brighton, the stadium was very, very hot. For us, we are lucky to play in this stadium.”

The “hot” atmosphere that De Zerbi describes, having experienced a sliding scale of emotions as Spurs fell to a stoppage-time equaliser against Brighton in his first home game in charge, can go both ways.

De Zerbi is determined to see the glare of 60,000 fans as motivation. He wants supporters to “support” and to “push” Spurs on to a potentially season defining victory.

However, those of a Spurs persuasion in the stands on Monday evening will know how quickly the heat inside the stadium can turn when things aren’t going their side’s way. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been mutinous at times this season.

De Zerbi has maintained he is positive but realistic. Despite the outward confidence, he will understand that without a positive result against Leeds he will be back to the drawing board.

The temperature is turning up on Spurs’ season. The question is can they handle the heat?

MORE ABOUT

Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Tottenham must accept their young players will make mistakes after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds.

Spurs missed the chance to move four points clear of the relegation zone as Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck from the penalty spot in the 74th-minute to cancel out Mathys Tel’s opening goal.

The hosts had been on top until the penalty, which was awarded after Tel kicked Ethan Ampadu in the head as he tried to clear the ball.

Tel had given Spurs the lead with a sumptuous effort in the 50th minute, but it was ultimately his defensive lapse that meant De Zerbi’s men were only able to extend their lead over 18th-place West Ham to two points.

Asked what he had said to Tel at full time, the Italian offered his support for the French winger.

“[I gave him] a big hug and a big kiss,” De Zerbi said.

“Nothing more because he is a young player and a big talent. He scored a great goal and he made a mistake because he has not the right experience.

“He has not played too many games in his career and we have to accept (he will make mistakes).”

Spurs’ lack of attacking depth was exposed as they failed to make their advantage count in the second-half.

Injuries have left De Zerbi short of attacking options, but he was able to call upon James Maddison from the bench as Spurs chased a late winner.

The 29-year-old came on in the 85th minute for his first competitive game in over a year as De Zerbi rolled the dice in search of a goal.

De Zerbi has been hesitant to rush Maddison back to action, and admitted he played more minutes than he had expected when he spoke to the English playmaker yesterday.

“Great news for us. He is a different player as a quality, as a guy and he will be I hope crucial for us,” De Zerbi continued.

“Yesterday I spoke with him about his physical condition and about how many minutes he could play.

"He played more than what he said yesterday. We are happy for him but I think we are in the right way.”

North Londoners failed to take advantage of West Ham’s earlier defeat

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham were unable to put daylight between themselves and the relegation zone after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds.

Following West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal, Spurs had the chance to move four points clear of the bottom three, and they looked to be on their way to a rare home win when Mathys Tel scored five minutes into the second-half.

Spurs were good value for their lead, but were pegged back after Tel conceded a penalty for a kick on Ethan Ampadu.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot and Leeds came close to stealing all three points when Sean Longstaff hit the crossbar.

Spurs’ relegation fears continue

Spurs’ relegation fears are by no means over after they squandered a glorious opportunity to put daylight between themselves and the bottom three.

They were the better team in the first-half and deserved the breakthrough when Tel finished superbly after the ball broke to him from a corner.

But they let Leeds back into the game and only had themselves to blame when Tel’s haphazard defending handed the visitors the chance to equalise from the penalty spot.

Spurs still seem clouded by anxiety, despite an upturn in results in recent weeks. Their home form is an issue they can’t seem to shake.

Nervy: Roberto De Zerbi

Getty

In their first two home games under De Zerbi, it has been mistakes from Tel and Kevin Danso that have seen them squander leads and ultimately leave precious points out on the pitch.

Tonight was the perfect moment to take control of the relegation race, but once again, they came up short and were lucky not to concede deep in stoppage time when Antonin Kinsky saved superbly from Longstaff.

Spurs now go to Stamford Bridge, a stadium they have a famously poor record at, next Tuesday, without the comfort of a four-point buffer.

Read More

Carragher reveals key moment that could save Spurs from relegation

Carragher slams 'crazy decision' that cost Tottenham crucial win

Spurs handed major injury boost as star makes long-awaited return

Sponsored

Winter escapes and activities to end the year in style

Win tonight, and West Ham would have been relegated had they lost to Newcastle this weekend.

Instead, they have left the door open for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who will have been reinvigorated after a crushing defeat to Arsenal yesterday.

Spurs’ winless home run drags on

De Zerbi has hurdled almost every challenge put in front of him since taking charge of Spurs a little over a month ago.

However, with just two league wins at home all season heading into tonight, the Italian will have known the pressure that was on him to make the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a fortress again.

He spoke up the atmosphere inside the stadium in his pre-match comments, suggesting that his side should relish the “heat” and the pressure that comes with playing in front of more than 60,000 supporters.

It was a rallying cry, full of confidence and daringness, that went down well with both players and supporters as Spurs started with intensity.

Hero to zero: Mathys Tel

Getty

Roared back onto the pitch at half-time, Spurs picked up where they left off to take a deserved lead just five minutes into the second half.

After Leeds equalised from the penalty spot, the nerves soon began to creep back in, though, as the visitors sensed they could get another goal.

De Zerbi has worked wonders to change the narrative around the club and get his players believing in their own ability again.

But there is still clearly a mental hurdle, a nervous energy that can engulf them at any given moment, and visiting teams know they will always have a chance.

Tel goes from hero to zero

If Mathys Tel was determined to make his mark on this game, then he certainly managed to do that.

De Zerbi had said that Xavi Simons’ season-ending injury could be the moment for Tel to finally nail down a starting berth in Spurs’ side.

The French winger has struggled for regular minutes this season, but started for the second game running against Brighton and initially made a positive impact.

His goal was a moment of magic, and a fine reward for a performance that had to that point been full of intensity and directness.

Curling a wonderful right-footed strike past Karl Darlow, Spurs looked on their way to a hugely important three points.

That was until Tel unwittingly kicked the onrushing Ampadu in the head as he acrobatically attempted to clear the ball inside his own area.

Overall, the former Bayern Munich forward was the hosts’ brightest spark going forward, but it was ultimately his costly decision that means that Spurs remain mired in relegation trouble.

Tel must recover. Spurs have too much still to play for.

MORE ABOUT

The Tottenham forward has been out since May 2025 with a patella injury, and there have so far been no suggestions that he is even close to returning to training at Hotspur Way.

Kulusevski’s injury has been a source of great concern for Spurs, who have struggled creatively in his absence, and he is now a major doubt to make Graham Potter’s squad for the World Cup.

The former Juventus man remains hopeful of playing in his first World Cup for his country after they missed out on qualification for the 2022 edition, and said he was “100 per cent determined” to get fit in time to be selected.

Since that interview, which he gave after Sweden beat Poland 3-2 in a knockout play-off to secure qualification, Kulusevski has looked no closer to making a return to fitness.

The 26-year-old went for a second surgery on his knee over the March international break, but is still not under consideration for minutes approaching the final weeks of the domestic season.

Asked whether he felt Kulusevski would be fit for the World Cup, De Zerbi responded: “I don’t know the situation well.

“For me, it’s difficult to understand how he can play at the World Cup if he didn’t play any games this season.

“But I texted him after [the Villa game]. He told me in the next week, I think, he comes back [to continue his rehab at Hotspur Way]. And I hope he can be available to stay with us in the last game because he is an amazing player.”

However, supporters were left concerned after Richarlison was absent from training on Wednesday afternoon, having been substituted late on at Villa Park.

“I think my mistake was not to substitute him before the end of the game.

Tottenham’s chances of avoiding relegation from the Premier League have increased thanks to a favour from rivals Arsenal.

The Hammers were on course for a vital point against the Gunners when Callum Wilson’s effort crossed the line deep into stoppage-time at the London Stadium.

As a result of Arsenal’s victory, Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are all now officially safe from relegation as West Ham’s maximum points total is 42 with two games remaining.

This means it is between Spurs and West Ham to avoid the drop.

With Tottenham currently a point clear of their London rivals having played a game less, there is a scenario where Roberto De Zerbi’s side secure survival before the final game of the season.

If Spurs beat Leeds and Chelsea - in the rearranged fixture on May 19 due to the Blues’ involvement in the FA Cup final - then the home match against Everton on May 24 will have nothing riding on it.

Alternatively, if Tottenham beat Leeds on Monday and move on to 40 points, they could be safe from relegation before a ball is even kicked at Stamford Bridge.

Unite the Kingdom march: 'Far-Right agitators' banned from UK to stop them spreading hate in London, says Starmer

Far-Right banned from UK 'to stop them spreading hate at London march'

Resurgent Spurs searching for third win on the bounce in relegation battle

George Flood

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham will hope to edge closer to Premier League survival when they host Leeds on Monday night.

After a shock 2-1 win at fifth-place Aston Villa last weekend to follow West Ham’s listless 3-0 loss at Brentford, Spurs leapfrogged their London rivals out of the bottom three by a single point with three games to go to offer real renewed hope of avoiding a disastrous first relegation to the second tier of English football since 1977.

It felt like a real momentum-changing weekend in the battle to avoid the drop as injury-ravaged Tottenham, albeit playing against a much-rotated team with one eye on the Europa League semi-finals, made it back-to-back wins under Roberto De Zerbi with arguably their best performance of the season - and it would have been three in a row were it not for a last-gasp equaliser conceded against Brighton last month.

Spurs will look to continue that feel-good factor as they host Leeds on Monday night, by which time they could be back in the bottom three if West Ham - whose goal difference is much worse than Tottenham’s - manage to topple leaders Arsenal against the odds at home on Sunday afternoon.

This would previously have been dubbed as a massive relegation six-pointer, but Leeds - along with Nottingham Forest - have since pulled clear of danger to make it a straight fight between Tottenham and West Ham, with Daniel Farke’s beaten FA Cup semi-finalists currently sitting 14th and seven points clear of trouble after winning three of their last four league games.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Tottenham vs Leeds is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Monday May 11, 2026.

The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.

Where to watch Tottenham vs Leeds

TV channel: The game will be broadcast live in the UK on Monday Night Football via Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the match live online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: Follow the action with Standard Sport’s live blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Spurs correspondent Sam Tabuteau at the ground.

Tottenham vs Leeds team news

Antonin Kinsky will remain in goal for Tottenham, with Guglielmo Vicario not yet ready to return from hernia surgery.

De Zerbi hopes that Dominic Solanke will be back in contention following a hamstring injury against Chelsea next week, with the Spurs boss reporting no fresh injury worries.

A lengthy injury list includes Cristian Romero, Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Ben Davies, while Richarlison did not train on Wednesday after a knock suffered against Villa.

No return: Tottenham will still be without first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario against Leeds

Getty Images

De Zerbi allayed any concerns after the win at Villa Park that Micky van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur had picked up new injuries, while James Maddison was an unused substitute for the third game in a row as he awaits his first appearance in a year following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Leeds are still without Swedish left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson due to a hamstring injury, while Bulgarian midfielder Ilia Gruev will miss the rest of the season with a meniscus knee injury sustained in training.

Tottenham vs Leeds prediction

Spurs fans will hope a real corner has been turned at last thanks to the impact of De Zerbi, whose methods appear to be having a real effect on the squad in the short-term.

Read More

Man City XI vs Brentford: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup

Three things De Zerbi has changed at Spurs to ease relegation fears

De Zerbi reveals Tottenham transfer plan for loan star

Sponsored

Make 2026 the year of working smarter

They seem to be playing with more belief, confidence and momentum at long last, showing so much more fight.

It would not be at all surprising to see them chalk up another vital win here, though Leeds are in strong form themselves and know how to grind out results.

While they have won only two away games in the league all season, eight of their 17 fixtures on the road have finished level, while Tottenham have only won two at home in the top-flight this term.

Draw, 1-1.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Spurs have won their last five games in a row against Leeds, including a Kudus-inspired 2-1 victory at a wet Elland Road under Thomas Frank back in October.

Leeds’ last win in this fixture was back in May 2021. They have not registered an away win over Spurs for 25 years.

Tottenham wins: 42

Leeds wins: 33

Draws: 29

Tottenham vs Leeds match odds

Tottenham to win: 17/20

Leeds to win: 29/10

Draw: 14/5

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

MORE ABOUT

Former Fulham midfielder has impressed during on his Premier League return

Oli Gent

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that he “100 per cent” wants to keep Joao Palhinha at Tottenham next season.

Palhinha joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich last summer with a €30million (£25.9m) option to buy at the end of this season.

The Portuguese midfielder has come in for criticism at times this term, but has also popped up with a number of important goals, including the winner away to Wolves, which secured Spurs’ first league win in 118 days.

Palhinha’s emphatic roar midway through the second-half of last weekend’s 2-1 victory away to Aston Villa surmised Spurs’ industrious performance and reflected a combative personal display from the 30-year-old.

De Zerbi is keen to keep Palhinha and says the spirit and attitude the former Fulham midfielder embodies is exactly the type of character he wants to build his team around.

“100 per cent [I want to keep him next season)]” De Zerbi said on Thursday.

“We have to start with [those] types of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy.

“I want to see the player with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have with us Palhinha.”

Strong relations: Joao Palhinha

Getty

Spurs’ midfield was central to their dominant display at Villa Park, with Conor Gallagher providing energy and crucially a goal threat, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Palhinha gave De Zerbi’s side balance.

De Zerbi is a big fan of Gallagher, who produced the most combined blocks, tackles, interceptions and recoveries against Villa, and said that Spurs play as if they have a 12th man with the Englishman in the side and in form.

Gallagher has not had it easy since arriving in north London from Atletico Madrid in January, and had to wait three months for his first league win.

Read More

De Zerbi reveals Vicario injury latest in new Tottenham update

Three things De Zerbi has changed at Spurs to ease relegation fears

Gallagher reveals how De Zerbi got Spurs squad back 'on the same page'

Sponsored

Choose the right education path for your child

But De Zerbi has retained his trust in the former Chelsea man and said that he has adapted well physically and mentally to become one of Spurs’ most important players in recent weeks.

“I'm happy because I think from the perspective of Conor, he came in January in a difficult situation. He had some problems at the beginning - his physical condition, his environment,” De Zerbi said.

“To understand the different club, different style of play, different dressing room. But he's an important player, the first level of the players.

“So I'm happy to watch him in this condition, in this confidence, with these performances. I think, and I said after the game, when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent.”

MORE ABOUT