Tottenham controlled much of the game against Leeds, but a defensive mistake and poor finishing cost them as they failed to turn their dominance into goals. Even with strong control in midfield, De Zerbi’s side struggled in attack and lacked the final touch when it mattered most.
Tottenham Hotspur were the better side for most of the game and had more of the ball, especially in midfield where they moved it well and kept control. They pushed Leeds back and set the rhythm of the game, but they did not create enough clear chances and could not score a second goal to take full control of the match.
Leeds stayed patient and waited for their chance. That chance came from a defensive mistake inside the Tottenham box and it changed the game. After that, Tottenham still had possession but it was harder for them to break Leeds down as the visitors sat deep and defended well.
From there, the game came down to small details, and the lack of sharpness in attack became more obvious. Spurs tried different ways to create chances, but nothing really worked well enough to get a second goal.
Let’s take a look at our three Tottenham tactical takeaways to learn from…
Tottenham’s control in midfield did not turn into control of the game
Spurs started the match well and went ahead through a brilliant curling finish from Mathys Tel. After that, they stayed on top for long periods and controlled the game, especially in midfield where they moved the ball with confidence and kept possession.
Roberto De Zerbi also tried to dominate central areas by using Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro, who both moved inside from full-back positions to help build play. This gave Tottenham more passing options in midfield and helped them play through Leeds’ press. Despite those efforts Leeds were still strong in the middle, but Spurs had more of the ball and looked more comfortable in possession.
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Even so, that control did not lead to enough clear chances. Tottenham found it hard to turn possession into a real attacking threat, and because of that the game stayed open instead of being closed out.
Tottenham’s defensive mistake changed the match
Because Spurs did not fully control the game, Leeds stayed patient and waited for their chance. That chance came from a costly mistake inside the box when Tel tried an acrobatic clearance but ended up clashing with Ethan Ampadu. After a VAR check, a penalty was given and Calvert-Lewin scored it.
Before that moment, Spurs looked more steady and in control. They moved the ball well and gave Leeds very little in attack. After the penalty, the game changed as Leeds dropped deeper and stayed tight. This made it harder for Tottenham to find space near goal.
From there, Tottenham still had a lot of possession but they could not use it well. They passed the ball around but did not create enough chances. Leeds stayed organised and blocked passing lanes, and as the game went on, Tottenham’s earlier control meant less because they could not find a way back into the game.
Lack of quality in Tottenham’s attack
With key creative players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons, and Mohammed Kudus missing, De Zerbi had to use a more direct and simple attacking plan. De Zerbi also pushed more players forward and used crosses into the box as the main way to create chances.
Tel played an important role, often cutting inside and sending dangerous balls into the area, while Pedro Porro also kept putting in crosses from wide areas. After Leeds equalised, Spurs increased the pressure and kept sending more balls into the box.
This created chaos in the Leeds box with lots of action, but Leeds dealt with it well. They stayed organised, defended well, and cleared their lines under pressure. Spurs had many attacks but not enough clear chances or good final passes.
What next for Spurs?
The draw showed a clear issue for Tottenham. They can control games and keep possession but they are not making that control count in the final third. This also leaves them open to small mistakes changing matches as happened in this game.
De Zerbi now has to find a better balance. Spurs need more control in attack and not just more crosses or pressure. If they keep playing in the same way, they may keep creating chances but not enough clear ones to win games.
Looking ahead, Tottenham face Chelsea next in a tough away match before finishing the season against Everton. Those two matches will be a big test of whether they can turn control into results.
