Football London

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder finally made his return from his ACL injury on Monday night and opened up on his long journey back

James Maddison admits that the reaction of the Tottenham fans will live with him forever after he finally returned from injury following nine months of recovery.

The 29-year-old stepped out for the first time in Spurs ' 1-1 draw with Leeds on Monday night after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in pre-season in South Korea. As he was called back from his warm-up in the 85th minute, the bulk of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium rose to their feet and applauded as his long jouney back finally came to an end.

Maddison, who was involved in a last-gasp penalty incident that was not given after a VAR check, admitted that his road back began earlier than that summer friendly against Newcastle and instead stretched to May last year and Spurs' Europa League semi-final first leg.

"It was longer than that for me. In my head it goes back to the Europa League semi-final here when I got injured here [at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium] because I did a partial ACL tear against Bodo/Glimt. I was told by the [external] specialist it wouldn’t need surgery and rehab," he said.

"Then obviously it wasn’t strong, it didn’t recover properly and I needed the full surgery which is what happened in South Korea. So in my head it’s not really been like that it’s been longer.

"But that being said that was still an amazing moment which will live with me forever that reception I got today. There have been some dark days in the last year, especially since the surgery. It has been a really tough year for me mentally but I’m at the end of the tunnel now so I can kind of look back on that with fondness because I’m as mentally strong as I can after going through that. Physically I feel really good so the moment personally is something that will live with me forever the reception Spurs fans gave me."

What happened with Maddison looks to have been bad luck as the leading knee surgeon Andy Williams, who performed the operation on him after the summer injury, had said in the midfielder's YouTube video in the weeks after: "You did nothing wrong, I saw your scans originally and I would have treated it exactly the same way. I have this scenario every month or two. Usually you get away with it, not always but it may have happened with that manoeuvre anyway."

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Maddison said on Monday night that while he never worried about returning it was the length of time involved in an ACL recovery that got him down.

"There was never any doubt about getting back it was more the sadness of what I would miss and for the longevity of it. I knew once I had the surgery, these days there is so much research and work that has gone into ACL injuries. It is the most researched injury there is," he said.

"It’s actually quite simple rehab it's just a real grind and it's long and it's hard. It's just not very tricky because of the amount of research that has gone into it. So I just had to do the work, there is no corners cut. There was never any doubt about getting back. Some tough days mentally to do the work when the light at the end of the tunnel is just not in sight but we are there now and I'm really grateful for the physios who worked with me and sports scientists and everyone who has made it possible for me to come back and feel this good."

On those who helped him through the dark days, the England international said: "My partner, my parents, my children, the physios, the players, everyone. Sometimes you just have to deal with yourself. Some of the worst days are when we have had highs when the team are away winning in the Champions League and you're just not a part of it.

"That is tough as well. So many tough moments but proud of myself for how hard I have worked to get back to this position to be able to come back and play in the Premier League."

What has also been difficult for Maddison has been watching the team struggle in his absence and despite an uptick in form under new boss Roberto De Zerbi they only sit two points above the drop zone with two games remaining.

"Definitely [it's tough] because you watch through a lens of 'what would I be doing? What could I do differently?' It’s been a tough season for Tottenham. Really tough for the fans, really tough for the players. Lots of manager changes. It's been a season to forget really. Not being able to affect it and help the club has been difficult," he said.

Maddison ended up playing far longer on Monday evening than he or De Zerbi would have expected after a minimum of 13 minutes of added time were announced by the fourth official and that ended up stretching to 15 minutes, meaning the midfielder was on the pitch for 20 minutes on his return. For context, Rodrigo Bentancur and Radu Dragusin played a handful of minutes on their returns from ACL injuries in recent seasons.

For Maddison though it was about getting back in the groove as quickly as he could as Spurs tried to find a late winner that unfortunately would never come.

"Once I was out there and the first 30 seconds to a minute had gone by it was like 'now I’m on the pitch we need to get a winner here'. The nice moment had gone. It was almost straight down to business," he admitted.

"I would rather be safe and come on and enjoy and build up slowly but that's not the situation we are in. When you are on the pitch you forget about anything else anyway when the adrenaline kicks in. When you get your first touch it's just another game and I felt really good."

Joao Palhinha called Maddison an important figure in the dressing room and the returning Spurs star would only say that he hopes he can convey what the supporters demand to his team-mates.

"You would have to ask the other players that. I always try and help. I think I'm one of the more vocal players in the changing room. Being English and being from this country and knowing what it means for the fans I can feel that and portray that in a way to players from other countries or who don’t speak the language so perfectly or younger players who maybe don’t understand as much as I do," he said.

"I just try to help and say whatever I feel will help the team or the individual player. If that is leadership that is leadership and I will always try to do that no matter what."

Tottenham star Mathys Tel has responded to his chaotic night against Leeds United after playing a huge role in both goals that were scored

Mathys Tel has described Tottenham's draw with Leeds United as a "bitter feeling" after he scored and conceded a penalty in the Premier League draw.

The Frenchman fired Spurs in front with a superb effort from the edge of the box just after half-time but a bizarre overhead kick foul on Ethan Ampadu allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to equalise from 12 yards in the 74th minute.

In the wake of the point that moved Spurs two clear of West Ham, Tel took to Instagram and said: "A bitter feeling tonight… Thank y’all for the support let’s keep pushing and fighting until the end [white heart and fist emojis]."

With a staggering 13 minutes of added time displayed by the fourth official, there was plenty of time for two huge moments after Calvert-Lewin levelled proceedings. A long-awaited James Maddison return arrived in that time and he was involved in one major talking point.

Before that, a wonderful save from Antonin Kinsky as he somehow pushed Sean Longstaff's powerful left-footed effort onto the bar.

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Minutes later, a strong James Maddison penalty shout with VAR checking the decision but ultimately agreeing with Jarred Gillett that Lukas Nmecha touched the ball first and it was only a corner.

Roberto De Zerbi was booked by Gillett late into the clash after being spoken to by the referee in the first half and though he refused to give his verdict on the potential Maddison penalty, the Spurs boss hinted decisions made on the night may have been impacted after the chaos of West Ham vs Arsenal the previous day.

When asked what was frustrating him, De Zerbi said: "The first minute until the end of the game the referee went to me, ‘if you go out, yellow card,’ and I think they were not calm today. Maybe they suffered the pressure of yesterday the West Ham-Arsenal game and VAR.

"For sure we suffer the pressure today for the speed of the ball, for the order of the pitch and we didn’t play with patience on the ball. Frenetic and we were rushed but also the referee was not calm.

"I don’t know, I can’t understand the polemic about yesterday VAR because it was a foul, 200 per cent, not 100 per cent if you want to talk about football."

The Lilywhites have an eight-day break before their next match away to Chelsea on Tuesday, May 19, with that moved back from this weekend due to their FA Cup final against Manchester City.

West Ham do play this Sunday and are in need of three points away to Newcastle to really pile the pressure on Spurs and leapfrog them in the table.

The battle to avoid relegation is likely to go down to the final day of the season, with the Hammers at home to Leeds and Tottenham hosting Everton.

Roberto De Zerbi believes the match officials were desperate to lay down the law during Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Leeds United after Arsenal's controversial win over West Ham.

Roberto De Zerbi has suggested that the match officials were on tenterhooks during Tottenham Hotspur's draw to Leeds United, having stolen the headlines following Arsenal's win over West Ham.

The Hammers were controversially denied a late equaliser at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon after Pablo was adjudged to have fouled David Raya in the build-up. Chris Kavanagh initially awarded West Ham the goal, before the Video Assistant Referee, Darren England, and his assistant, Akil Howson, quickly intervened.

Five minutes and 17 replays later, those at Stockley Park sent the on-field referee to take a second look at the incident on the pitchside monitor. Then, after another lengthy review, Kavanagh eventually overturned the original call and awarded the Gunners a free-kick.

Although the Premier League fielded a new team of match officials for the Lilywhites' clash against Daniel Farke's side, De Zerbi claimed he could feel they were feeling the pressure. There were numerous stoppages in play throughout the game, one of which was a controversial offside.

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During the 13 minutes of stoppage time, the Italian was booked for leaving the technical area in reaction to a strong challenge on James Maddison, who had just taken to the field for the first time since he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during a pre-season friendly game back in August.

Speaking to reporters after the game, De Zerbi accused the match officials of being abnormally agitated. The Tottenham boss said: "The first minute until the end of the game, the referee went to me, ‘if you go out, yellow card,’ and I think they were not calm today.

"Maybe they suffered the pressure of yesterday the West Ham-Arsenal game and VAR. For sure, we suffer the pressure today for the speed of the ball, for the order of the pitch, and we didn’t play with patience on the ball.

"Frenetic, and we were rushed, but also the referee was not calm," added De Zerbi, who then offered his verdict on the controversy in east London on Sunday afternoon. The Italian was bemused by the uproar, claiming Pablo had impeded Raya.

De Zerbi said: "I don’t know, I can’t understand the polemic about yesterday VAR because it was a foul, 200 per cent, not 100 per cent if you want to talk about football."

Tottenham were denied a spot-kick when Maddison went down inside the Leeds box, shortly after De Zerbi was cautioned for leaving the technical area. When quizzed on the incident, the Italian said: "No, no, no, I don’t want to come inside the polemic, I didn’t see and I didn’t watch again.

"I don’t know. Ask me a question about football if you want."

On the return of Maddison, De Zerbi said: "Great news for us. He is a different player as a quality, as a guy and he will be I hope crucial for us. 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.

"It will be tough until the last minute against Everton, for sure but after the Sunderland game, it was a difficult to imagine ourselves before the last two games to stay up two points of West Ham because I remember very well the game in Sunderland was my first game and we can’t forget what was the situation just 15 days ago.

"We can’t forget after four games in a row we made eight points and we can’t forget Leeds the last defeat in Premier League was the 1st of March at home I think.

"And West Ham they have to also play Leeds at home. I think Leeds they will play like today with the same spirit, with the same qualities because they are doing a great season."

With two games left, Tottenham are two points adrift of West Ham in the bottom three. The Lilywhites must still face Chelsea and Everton; meanwhile, the Hammers are set to play Newcastle United and Leeds.

Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 with Leeds United but Mathys Tel went from hero to villain

Roberto De Zerbi says he will kiss and hug Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel who went from hero to villain in their draw with Leeds United on Monday night. The young French forward had opened the scoring for Spurs in the 50th minute in what was a huge goal in their fight for Premier League survival.

The win would have moved De Zerbi's men four points clear of West Ham United and the relegation zone with just two games left to play. However, Tel gave away a penalty trying an acrobatic clearance with Jamie Carragher claiming De Zerbi would be furious about the incident.

The French forward tried an overhead kick inside the area to clear the danger, but Ethan Ampadu rushed in to make first contact with the ball with his head.

Referee Jared Gillett was left with no choice but to point to the spot, with Leeds United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin converting the penalty.

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However, despite Carragher's criticism the Spurs boss came out in defence of the 21-year-old claiming the incident could happen to any young player.

Speaking to Sky Sports, De Zerbi said: "He is young and is a talent. I will kiss him and hug him. He doesn't need too many words. He was sorry for the mistake, it can happen to a young player."

Reflecting on the incident, on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Carragher said: "It's just a crazy decision from Tel. What you think sometimes is we've been there sometimes as players where you don't see the opposition player coming in.

"But he's about to make his decision and he sees him, he looks. So he's made his decision but as soon as he knows there's someone there, it has to change.

"He still has time, he's got to change his mind. I thought he hadn't seen him initially, but he has. It's a really, really poor decision. We're talking about a young attacking player, making two ridiculous decisions in this game.

"De Zerbi will be furious - but he's got to remember he's a young attacking player who has actually made a massive difference to Spurs right now.

"He came off the bench at Wolves, got the corner and the winning goal. He set up the second goal at Villa, and he scored the goal tonight.

"He needs him, because they haven't got players with injuries but there's a player there. We've seen that in the last couple of games.

"You'd be going nuts, but the good at the other end - everything we showed that was good from Spurs in the first half, and then he scored the goal in the second half.

"That's the art of management, and De Zerbi knows that a lot better than me."

Here's every single word the Tottenham Hotspur boss said after the draw with Leeds United on Monday night in the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi had plenty to say at his press conference after Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Leeds in the Premier League on Monday night.

Spurs had plenty of first half chances but couldn't take them and survived a late VAR penalty scare at the end of the period as Dominic Calvert-Lewin was deemed marginally offside before being brought down in the box under close attention from Destiny Udogie.

The deadlock was finally broken five minutes into the second half with Mathys Tel curling a wonderful effort into the top right corner of the net with Karl Darlow only able to get fingertips on to it.

However, the Frenchman went from hero to villain when he caught Ethan Ampadu with an overhead kick in the Spurs box and Dominic Calvert-Lewin put away the spot kick after VAR advised referee Jarred Gillett to head to his pitchside monitor.

Both sides pushed for a second goal with 15 minutes of added time tagged on to the game, Antonin Kinsky pushing Sean Longstaff's header on to the crossbar and the returning James Maddison denied a penalty deep into 15 minutes of added time at the end of the game.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those putting the questions to De Zerbi. Here's the full transcript from the press conference.

What did you say to Mathys Tel after scoring a wonderful goal and then doing that in his own box?

A big hug and a big kiss. Nothing more because he is a young player, he is a big talent and he score a great goal. He made a mistake for the experience because he has not the right experience and he has not played too many games in his career and we have to accept, but I am proud and I am happy for the mentality we show. We didn’t play a great game like in Villa Park, we played a good game and did enough to win. We could lose the game at the end because before the last 15 to 20 minutes, they didn’t shoot on our goal and just one in the first half. We had 14 corner against two, five chances to score against two, we came inside of the goal area 50 times against 27 but we didn’t score two goals.

We could see you getting frustrated on the sideline, you got a yellow card, what was frustrating you?

The first minute until the end of the game the referee went to me, ‘if you go out, yellow card,’ and I think they were not calm today. Maybe they suffered the pressure of yesterday the West Ham-Arsenal game and VAR. For sure we suffer the pressure today for the speed of the ball, for the order of the pitch and we didn’t play with patience on the ball. Frenetic and we were rushed but also the referee was not calm. I don’t know, I can’t understand the polemic about yesterday VAR because it was a foul, 200 per cent, not 100 per cent if you want to talk about football.

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How good was it to have James Maddison make his comeback although you probably didn't expect him to play for that long?

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

It will be tough until the last minute against Everton, for sure but after the Sunderland game, it was a difficult to imagine ourselves before the last two games to stay up two points of West Ham because I remember very well the game in Sunderland was my first game and we can’t forget what was the situation just 15 days ago. We can’t forget after four games in a row we made eight points and we can’t forget Leeds the last defeat in Premier League was the 1st of March at home I think. And West Ham they have to also play Leeds at home. I think Leeds they will play like today with the same spirit, with the same qualities because they are doing a great season.

Was it a penalty on Maddison?

No, no, no, I don’t want to come inside the polemic, I didn’t see and I didn’t watch again. I don’t know. Ask me a question about football if you want.

What did you make of Antonin Kinsky tonight?

He’s improving a lot. He’s a good goalkeeper. I had no doubt in my first days in Tottenham because I knew him before coming here. He played in Madrid, he made that mistake, and it was tough for him. He has great personality, strong character and he deserves to play a game like today.

Does the lack of attacking depth hurt you because your style means the attacking players can tire as games go on?

Yes, but I think I am very lucky to have these players, even if we have too many injuries. I think we have enough quality and the good enough players to stay up. I said this after Sunderland, after Brighton. I think in the last four games we’ve made eight points, but we deserve more than eight points. For that I am positive, I’m happy. I’m looking forward to start to work this week and prepare the next game.

Of those eight points, only two at home, the team still haven't won at home in the Premier League since December 6, do you see a mental problem?

No, because Brighton, did you watch the game with Brighton?

Yes.

I think with Brighton we played a great game.

But again you were leading and threw it away?

Yes, but if you want to speak about the performance, we speak about the performance, if we speak about the result, change. Against Brighton we played a fantastic game, maybe for sure better than today and better than Wolverhampton, maybe worse than or not so good like Aston Villa, but we deserve to win. And today, yes, you are right, we didn't play well, we didn't play a great game, we played a good game.

I think we felt too much pressure. It can happen if you fight for the relegation, it's different. What do you think, is it tougher playing the final of the Europa League as a pressure, or the game like today to fight for the relegation?

Probably today....

For sure, because there are two different pressures.

That's not really my point though, it's been like this at home for lots of Tottenham managers, it's not just your fault...

No, no, now Tottenham is mine, I am the coach of Tottenham, the responsibility is mine, and you are not to say other coaches, no.

Yes, for sure we didn't win two games, the last two games, but as a coach you have to consider the performances, not just the result. Because today, if we win today, nothing changes in terms of performance, because anyway we didn't play a great game. But we have to be honest and to say we didn't play a great game, even if we win.

And today we didn't win, we didn't play a great game, and we have to be honest. Everyone, everyone honest, not just me. We have to be honest also when we consider the VAR of West Ham vs Arsenal, a foul 200% in football.

Tottenham drew 1-1 against Leeds United in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night

Tottenham Hotspur had to settle for a point from their Premier League match against Leeds United, as the race for safety continues. Spurs went into the game looking to take advantage of West Ham's 1-0 loss against Arsenal on Sunday.

That meant that Tottenham had the chance to open up a four-point gap between them and the bottom three. Standing in their way was Leeds, whose safety was secured thanks to the West Ham loss.

After a cagey first half, things were going to plan for Spurs when they took the lead in the 51st minute through Mathys Tel, with his strike giving Karl Darlow no chance and nestling in the top corner.

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But with 16 minutes of normal time left to play, a VAR review led to a penalty being awarded to Leeds after Tel was adjudged to have fouled Ethan Ampadu. Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up and drew Leeds level from the spot.

That's how the score stayed, with 13 minutes of added time indicated by the fourth official. But it was Leeds who had the best chance, with Spurs having Antonin Kinsky to thank for saving them.

What Spurs need

The draw against Leeds puts Spurs two points ahead of West Ham ahead of the final two games. To mathematically secure safety, Tottenham need five points from the final two games. Although four points should be enough given their goal difference advantage.

That number will reduce should West Ham drop points. If they lose one of the games, then two points from the final two games would be enough for Spurs.

If West Ham draw any of their matches, then Spurs will need three points from their final two matches.

Tottenham remaining fixtures

Vs Chelsea (A), Tues 19 May (8.15pm)

Vs Everton (H) - Sun 24 May (6pm)

The match against Chelsea for Spurs is always unpredictable. The Blues are on a disappointing run of form, which Spurs will look to use to their advantage.

Everton, meanwhile, still have the chance of playing European football next season. They won’t be an easy opponent.

West Ham remaining fixtures

Vs Newcastle (A) - Sun 17 May (5.30pm)

Vs Leeds United (H) - Sun 24 May (4pm)

A trip to St James’ Park is never easy, even if Newcastle haven’t lived up to expectations this season. The fact that they have nothing to play for could be both good and bad news for West Ham, who will have the chance to put pressure on Spurs by playing first.

It’s a similar scenario with Leeds. The Whites secured safety this weekend, thanks to West Ham’s loss to Arsenal.

The Hammers will be looking to make the most of home advantage on the final day.

Roberto De Zerbi is holding his press conference after Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Leeds in the Premier League on Monday night.

Spurs carved out plenty of first half chances but couldn't take them and survived a late VAR penalty scare at the end of the period as Dominic Calvert-Lewin was offside by a couple of his toes before being brought down in the box under close attention from Destiny Udogie.

The deadlock was finally broken five minutes into the second half with Mathys Tel curling a wonderful effort into the top right corner of the net with Karl Darlow only able to get fingertips on to it.

However, the Frenchman then became the villain when he caught Ethan Ampadu with an overhead kick in the Spurs box and Dominic Calvert-Lewin put away the spot kick after VAR advised referee Jarred Gillett to head to his pitchside monitor.

Both sides pushed for a second goal, Antonin Kinsky pushing Sean Longstaff's header on to the crossbar and James Maddison denied a penalty deep into 15 minutes of added time at the end of the game.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold is among those putting the questions to De Zerbi. Scroll down for the latest updates from the press conference.

Tottenham had a shout for a late penalty denied after VAR review during their 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

The Premier League have explained why Tottenham weren't awarded a late penalty against Leeds United. Spurs had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Monday night's game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs did, though, have a late penalty shout when James Maddison went down under a challenge from Lukas Nmecha in added time. Referee Jarred Gillett waved away appeals, but a VAR review followed.

However, the original decision was upheld. Offering an explanation on their Match Centre X account, the Premier League said: "The referee’s call of no penalty to Tottenham Hotspur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Nmecha played the ball."

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While the review was underway, Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith spotted the Leeds player's touch on the ball.

"VAR will certainly get involved here!" He said. "He certainly catches Maddison. Does he get a touch on the ball? He might get the slightest - which could save him!"

After a cagey first half, things were going to plan for Spurs when Mathys Tel opened the scoring early in the second period, putting the ball beyond Karl Darlow. But it was Tel involved in the equalising goal.

The Tottenham man attempted to clear the ball in his own penalty area, but caught Ethan Ampadu. A VAR review awarded Leeds a penalty, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin giving Antonin Kinsky no chance from the spot.

When announcing the decision, referee Gillett said: "After review, Tottenham No.11 commits a foul on the Leeds attacker. The final decision is a penalty kick."

Maddison's time on the pitch was his first minutes since returning from a long-term knee injury. The midfielder could be a key player in the final two matches of the season.

Here are our Tottenham player ratings after their 1-1 draw with Leeds United in the Premier League on Monday evening

Tottenham could only grab a 1-1 draw with Leeds on Monday night in the Premier League and here are our Spurs player ratings.

Roberto De Zerbi's men came into the game off the back of their first back-to-back Premier League victories since the beginning of the season after the wins at Wolves and Aston Villa, and were hoping to continue their momentum under their new head coach.

De Zerbi kept faith with the Spurs starting line-up that impressed at Villa Park with Richarlison making his 100th appearance for the club, Conor Gallagher his 150th Premier League appearance and Pedro Porro is playing his 150th game in a Tottenham shirt. James Maddison was on the bench again as he looked to get his first minutes from the bench since that anterior cruciate ligament injury last summer.

Spurs carved out plenty of first half chances but couldn't take them and survived a late VAR penalty scare at the end of the period as Dominic Calvert-Lewin was offside by a couple of his toes before being brought down in the box under close attention from Destiny Udogie.

The deadlock was finally broken five minutes into the second half with Mathys Tel curling a wonderful effort into the top right corner of the net with Karl Darlow only able to get fingertips on to it.

However, the Frenchman then became the villain when he caught Ethan Ampadu with an overhead kick in the Spurs box and Dominic Calvert-Lewin put away the spot kick after VAR advised referee Jarred Gillett to head to his pitchside monitor.

Both sides pushed for a second goal, Antonin Kinsky pushing Sean Longstaff's header on to the crossbar and James Maddison denied a penalty deep into 15 minutes of added time at the end of the game.

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Here are our Spurs player ratings:

Antonin Kinsky

Saved well low down on the line from Rodon's header 20 minutes in which had the fans singing his name. Went the right way for Calvert-Lewin's penalty. Made a terrific save to push Longstaff's shot on to the crossbar in added time. 9

Pedro Porro

Put Richarlison through for an early opening and had his own shot blocked in front of goal just after the half hour mark. Also put in some dangerous corners. One of Spurs' better players. 7

Kevin Danso

Saved Tel with an important header in his own box before the 20 minute mark from the Frenchman's weird attempted clearance. Had some shaky moments allied with some important blocks and headers. 7

Micky van de Ven

A quiet game but did make a great sliding block to stop a Nmecha shot, even though the Leeds man was flagged offside. 7

Destiny Udogie

Fortunate that Calvert-Lewin had his toes offside after getting a hold of him in the box at the end of the first half. Not as good as his Villa display. 6

Joao Palhinha

Lashed a big chance over the bar 35 minutes in after doing well to take the ball into the box. Picked up a yellow card for an odd challenge in the second half and that restricted him from then on. 6

Rodrigo Bentancur

Spurs' best player in the first half and sent a header wide from a Porro corner. Faded a bit in the second half before coming off for Bergvall with 10 minutes to go. 7

Randal Kolo Muani

A willing runner without much quality in what he produced at the end of it apart from one ball to Richarlison. 5

Conor Gallagher

Busy without being too effective with the ball. 6

Mathys Tel

Started shakily and hit a poor attempted clearance across his own box that needed Danso to bail him out. Had a good run 25 minutes in which ended with a deflected shot over. Made amends for a lack of end product in the first half but curling home a sensational effort to break the deadlock in the 51st minute. Then cancelled it out with an overhead kick in his own box which caught Ampadu and gave away a penalty. 7

Richarlison

Put through by Porro early on but took a heavy touch. Had another effort that deflected into Darlow's arms in the first half and volleyed over from Kolo Muani's pass. Wasteful. 5

Subs

Lucas Bergvall

A busy cameo without too much end product. 5

James Maddison

His first minutes of the season and he thought he'd won a late penalty but the referee and VAR decided otherwise. 5

Djed Spence

Here's the Tottenham Hotspur team that Roberto De Zerbi has selected to face Leeds United on Monday evening in the Premier League

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has named his side to take on Leeds in the Premier League on Monday night.

Spurs currently lie out of the relegation zone by a single point and they now know that after West Ham's 1-0 defeat at home to title-chasing Arsenal on Sunday, if De Zerbi 's men can overcome Daniel Farke's in-form Leeds side then they will have a four-point gap going into the final two games.

With the team's first back-to-back Premier League victories since the beginning of the season behind them after the wins at Wolves and Aston Villa, Tottenham will be looking to continue their momentum under their new head coach.

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De Zerbi has kept faith with the starting line-up that impressed at Villa Park and that means that without a playmaker available to start, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel will once again be important down the flanks in getting the ball into the box for Richarlison, who makes his 100th appearance for the club.

Conor Gallagher will also be looking to repeat his goalscoring performance this time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in his 150th Premier League appearance, while Pedro Porro is playing his 150th game in a Spurs shirt.

James Maddison is on the bench again and looks close to a return for his first minutes from the bench since that anterior cruciate ligament injury last summer. De Zerbi said Dominic Solanke was closing in on a return but is not back yet for this game against Leeds.

Here's the Spurs team that De Zerbi has selected: