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There is no doubt that Archie Gray remains a Leeds United fan even if he left the club in the summer of 2024 to join Tottenham. His response to a question by Tottenham’s media team proves it.

Gray left Leeds for a fee of £40m almost 18 months ago now, having played more than 50 games for Leeds in 2023-24. It saw him become the fourth member of the Gray family to play for the Yorkshire side.

But PSR meant Leeds had to make a sale before June 30 in 2024, and Gray was the one sacrificed. He has since become a Europa League winner with Spurs, clocking up 52 appearances for the London club since.

However, with Gray’s younger brother now a part of Leeds’ first team and his father working closely with the club, as is great uncle Eddie, Archie is Leeds at heart. He proved it on Tottenham’s socials this week.

Archie Gray names Leeds United goal as the best he’s seen live

The teenage ace only ever scored once for Leeds, and even then it was a deflection. But it did come in a massive 3-1 win over Leicester at Elland Road. However, Gray didn’t pick his own goal as the best.

Tottenham’s media asked the Spurs players what was the best goal they’ve seen live, after Micky van de Ven’s incredible solo effort in a 4-0 win over Copenhagen. But Gray picked Patrick Bamford’s stunner.

In January 2024, Leeds beat Peterborough United 3-0 in The FA Cup. Ethan Ampadu had scored a brace, his only two goals for Leeds, before firing a long ball into Bamford who chested and volleyed into the net.

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Asked by Tottenham’s media for the best goal he’s seen live, Gray picked Bamford’s strike: “Patrick Bamford vs Peterborough, FA Cup, I think. Had the ball in our half, Ethan Ampadu played a long ball.

“Patrick Bamford took it down on his chest,” Gray continued, moving his body as if he was Bamford in that moment. “It went up, and he smashed it into the top corner. That was really good wasn’t it.”

What Archie Gray said about Patrick Bamford’s goal at the time

It was a stunner but at the time, Gray felt it deserved more recognition than simply the praise Bamford had received from Leeds fans and even Gary Lineker, at the time. He felt it could win the Puskas award.

In reality, Bamford’s goal wasn’t even a Puskas contender. But Bamford said after the goal, on the My Mate’s A Footballer podcast, that Gray had said in the dressing room it could be a Puskas contender.

“He was like: ‘Oh my God, oh my God, you’re going to go to the Puskás Award. That’s going to get nominated I’m sure.’ I think he was more excited than me,” Bamford said, as per the Evening Post.

The fact Gray still recalls it as the best goal he has seen live, however, shows that Leeds remains in his heart, picking the goal over van de Ven’s solo effort in the Champions League earlier this week.

When Daniel Farke arrived at Leeds United in the summer of 2023, the connection with Tottenham Hotspur was strong. It allowed Leeds to do a deal and sign Joe Rodon on loan.

Gretar Steinsson was working behind the scenes alongside Nick Hammond at Leeds that season, and it also saw Djed Spence arrive on loan from Spurs. A year later, Archie Gray was on his way to Spurs.

A quarter of the £40m used to lure Gray to North London was immediately reimbursed by Leeds on Rodon. The deal to sign Rodon has since been one of Daniel Farke’s best signings at Elland Road.

But there has been one damning indictment in Rodon’s numbers that has played on Farke’s mind since the big Wales defender moved to Elland Road. The centre-back’s lack of goals have been alarming.

Farke says improving Rodon’s goal threat a big achievement

Before the start of the season, Rodon had managed just one goal for Leeds in his two years with the club in the Championship. But, this season, that has changed. It started with his goal against Bournemouth.

Then, he hit the post against Spurs and netted past Thibaut Courtois in Wales’ 4-2 loss to Belgium. Rodon is improving, and Farke described improving Rodon’s threat as one of his biggest achievements at Leeds.

“That is one of my achievements here, in my reign, that I am most proud of. “When Joe Rodon walked in, I said I won’t allow this. For a guy so strong defensively with his head, 1000 games at senior level, no goals.

“I won’t start you if you don’t improve this [he jokes]. I’m on him every day, each and every training, he has to take many offensive headers. I’m not 100% happy with this outcome, but it seems like it’s worked.

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“Tough love and being strict works, he has improved a lot. He is becoming a goal threat, it is becoming an important topic. I’m happy he’s scoring for us and Wales. You have to be able to win with set-pieces.

“You have to have this mentality as a defensive player. Be greedy to score a goal, he is improving that a lot. It’s a trend we need to have. No jokes, one of my proudest achievements, because it was so poor.”

Joe Rodon’s career goals for all of his clubs, and for Wales

Despite scoring twice in the last few weeks for both Leeds and Wales, Rodon has only ever scored four goals at senior level throughout his career. His first goal might have gone under the radar, however.

Indeed, Rodon scored his first-ever goal while on loan in France with Rennes. His second came in the summer when he finally opened his account for Wales during a 3-0 World Cup win over Liechtenstein.

Now, Rodon has four goals, but judging by Farke’s comments, he wants the centre-back to score a whole lot more this season. Whether Rodon can add to his tally of two for club and country, remains to be seen.

Leeds United’s Harry Gray has recently celebrated his birthday, with the 17-year-old reportedly a target of Tottenham Hotspur.

Leeds United are desperate to retain Harry Gray in the long-term. Following brother Archie’s departure, Gray is the ‘prized jewel’ of Leeds currently. The Whites are very proud of their prestigious academy and he is the latest off the conveyor belt.

The fact Gray scored a hat-trick against Scunthorpe United has not gone unnoticed. Gray’s feat caught the eye alongside Jonny Howson at Glanford Park. In truth, Gray has had an excellent start to the campaign with Leeds’ U-21 team already.

Invariably, a young forward doing well and scoring goals is always likely to stir up more interest in Leeds’ young striker, particularly from Spurs. They are the club who has had the most serious interest in the Leeds’ starlet.

Harry Gray’s situation with Leeds amid Spurs interest

Even if the Leeds academy has declined of late, Gray is the shining light currently. That is why they have to be careful not to lose him too early, much like has been the case with Oliver Boast and Finlay Gorman.

It’s said that Gray is happy at Leeds despite persistent Spurs links emerging, while Andy, Harry’s father, is happy with progress at Leeds so far as well. That doesn’t guarantee that he will be retained beyond his scholarship deal, though.

Sharks have been circling for some time now. The likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Man City have all tracked Gray in recent years. He has been the talk of the famed academy ever since Archie broke through.

Speaking via Sky Sports’ Premier League Show on Monday evening (13/10/25), reporter Rob Jones said: “Leeds United remain hopeful that Harry Gray will soon sign his first professional contract.

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“After several reports claimed that Tottenham were interested in reuniting the striker with his brother Archie in north London.”

The deal for Gray with Leeds is imminent but nothing has yet materialised, despite the fact he turned 17 last week.

Joe Donnohue is reporting the latest with FourFourTwo, as he claims Leeds are expected to conclude talks over a new contract with their latest and brightest young prospect.

He claims that “Leeds are now able to offer a bumper wage increase” to Gray. He hints that it is very close now to him signing his first professional terms, but nothing is finalised yet despite an improvement to his salary.

Donnohue adds that “Leeds are aware there is significant interest in Gray from top domestic and European clubs, including his elder sibling’s employer, but the Whites’ stance remains a secure one and it is anticipated a deal will be signed in due course.”

Another interesting aspect is that other players of the same age, namely Louie Dudley and Devon Brockie, are the latest pair to commit their futures to the West Yorkshire outfit.

Former Leeds United defender Tony Dorigo believes Daniel Farke’s side learned one harsh lesson during their defeat against Tottenham.

Daniel Farke was pleased with his side’s display in defeat against Spurs, as they gave a good account of themselves against a member of the current Premier League top four.

However, Farke called out Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the game, urging him to improve his efficiency in front of goal after the England international missed another two chances.

Leeds were undoubtedly unfortunate in the defeat, as Karl Darlow was beaten by two shots that deflected off centre-back Pascal Struijk to settle the game.

However, Tony Dorigo believes it was the Whites’ wastefulness in the final third that cost them, as Leeds sit on eight points after seven games heading into the international break.

Tony Dorigo wants Leeds United to learn from ‘harsh lesson’

Speaking on LUTV at full-time of Leeds’ narrow defeat against Tottenham, Dorigo bemoaned Leeds’ inability to find a second goal to pull level.

According to Dorigo, Leeds were taught a “harsh lesson” in the defeat, which they will need to address in their upcoming games.

Dorigo said: “There’s no doubt it is a disappointment because it’s a harsh lesson in being efficient in front of goal. Tottenham were just better on the day at exactly that. We certainly had the chances, we know they are a wily side, they kept us at bay to be fair in that second half, very well.

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“But once we started going direct, putting more pressure on them, the chances started to come a little more. But the opportunity for us to go and get that first goal in the first half was missed, and, once again, in the second half, the chance to take that lead was missed.

“We paid for it this time, we couldn’t come back. It was certainly a spirited display, but unfortunately, we suffered a home defeat.”

Stats highlight key Leeds United issue

Although Leeds’ attack has clicked into gear following their consecutive run of three goalless games, efficiency in the final third remains an issue.

According to the data from Opta, Leeds have the third-worst conversion rate for non-penalty goals, having converted just 7.14% of their chances this season, ahead of only Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, compared to Tottenham’s 16.88%.

As things stand, Leeds remain down on their expected goals, having scored six goals and created an xG of 6.98 in their seven games to date, the eighth-worst ratio in the competition.

The numbers behind Leeds’ lack of efficiency in attack:

Leeds’ xG per shot is also the joint-worst in the top flight, with a rating of just 0.08, level with Aston Villa and Sunderland.

However, having gone from three games without scoring to finding the net six times in the last three games, Farke will hope that the trickle of goals can become a deluge in the coming games.

Leeds United may well have lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur but there were standout performances, including Anton Stach and more.

Some Leeds United performances were still positive against Spurs, but missed chances cost Leeds in the end. That has been a major frustration in some recent fixtures, especially with Leeds having more shots and chances on Saturday.

Defeat also meant that Leeds continued their awful early Premier League kick-off record, and Farke was unable to continue his record against Tottenham as a manager.

Even more frustrating for Leeds is that Thomas Frank has not yet got Spurs’ attack clicking after replacing Ange Postecoglou. In the end, Spurs sealed a record-breaking win over their hosts and a long run ending for Leeds.

Peter Crouch believes Dominic Calvert-Lewin still has an England chance

Leeds are finding forwards in good areas, but their clinical edge has not always been prevalent this season. That said, players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin have still been impressive in their general play.

In fact, in the midst of an international break currently, Anton Stach believes Calvert-Lewin should be with England. Asked if Calvert-Lewin can get in the England squad, Stach responded.

He said: “Maybe. Everything is possible. He’s really important for us, for the club. I hope he keeps going, he keeps scoring. That’s most important for us.”

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Peter Crouch spoke regarding Calvert-Lewin’s performance against Spurs on Saturday. He had mixed feelings about the centre-forward, but there was more to it than that.

He agreed with Stach’s suggestion, speaking to TNT Sports on Saturday. Crouch added: “If they can keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit… you’ve got players who know the Premier League; a little bit more experience.

“If they can keep Calvert-Lewin fit as well, I think they’ve got an England number nine there.”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s frustrations explained

Farke’s Calvert-Lewin admission post-match is that he’s frustrated behind the scenes. He has scored one goal from an xG of 1.34 and only two players in the Premier League have missed more ‘big chances’ than Calvert-Lewin (Erling Haaland and Jean-Philippe Mateta).

Farke said: “In the first half, he probably should have hit the target. The goalkeeper is there with a top save, and he’s two inches missing when it goes through the box. It is a bit frustrating, but that’s the fate of a striker.

“Sometimes you have these periods when you find it a bit more difficult. I’m happy with his performance. If he, right now, thinks too much about goals and wants to force it too much, it will never work,” he said.

“What he has to do is what he does: work for the team, relentless workload, bring yourself into good positions and then, sometimes, you need also a bit of luck and perhaps a deflected strike or scruffy goal.”

Leeds United lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur and Dominic Calvert-Lewin was at the heart of some of the biggest moments of the match, yet again.

Leeds United could not protect their long unbeaten run at Elland Road, allowing Spurs to break records against Leeds in the process.

The player ratings for Leeds against Tottenham reflect a wastefulness in the final third, which is the first time that has happened this season. Reflecting post-match, Dominic Calvert-Lewin admitted Leeds needed better.

Despite missing a few chances, Darren Bent and Lucy Ward know Calvert-Lewin will be crucial for Leeds. The same could be said of the Leeds manager, with Daniel Farke offering Calvert-Lewin advice after Spurs.

Peter Crouch gives Calvert-Lewin verdict during Leeds against Spurs

Farke also admitted Calvert-Lewin is frustrated behind the scenes. However, his all-round play cannot be questioned, with the 28-year-old able to pin his opponent and provide a platform for the team as a whole.

Speaking on TNT Sports during punditry duties, Peter Crouch praised the striker for his role in Leeds’ goal to make it 1-1. At half-time, Crouch said: “Yeah I thought he was a class act.

“It’s just presence of mind. So many strikers would’ve gone for goal there. He’s an unselfish player, Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It was a good ball in from [Jayden] Bogle and it was a lovely touch, that. Just sets it.

“A cruel deflection, really. [I] couldn’t blame [Guglielmo] Vicario. It’s taken a wicked deflection there and it’s arrived right up there for [Noah] Okafor.”

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However, Crouch wasn’t just full of praise for Calvert-Lewin, as he also criticised his wayward finishing in the game.

At full-time, Crouch added: “I look at Calvert-Lewin today, and what he is really good at is bringing others into the game and linking up with his teammates”

“He creates chances for those around him and also gets himself in great positions to score goals. But you look at some of those chances today, there is one of them where he has to take it and get that goal.

“In the end, as harsh as it is, it’s probably cost them the game. But he will always cause problems to defenders and, I’m sure, the goals will come.”

The comments are not dissimilar from what Wayne Rooney said regarding Calvert-Lewin, too. It’s evident where he needs to improve or simply act as more of a facilitator for other Leeds players to score.

Joe Hart’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin verdict

Hart, also speaking at full-time, explained his feelings on Calvert-Lewin’s move this summer. He said: “I was really interested to see where he would end up.

“And I think being here at Leeds is a really good fit for him. He will score goals if you can keep him fit.

“And, I think, at this club, with these fans behind him, he’s going to really thrive here when he turns those chances into goals.”

Leeds United came up short on Saturday afternoon at Elland Road despite dominating large parts of their clash against Tottenham Hotspur, only for two deflected shots to find their way past Karl Darlow.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Joe Rodon, Joel Piroe and Sean Longstaff all came close to scoring for Leeds on Saturday, after Noah Okafor had cancelled out Mathys Tel’s opener. Okafor’s second in Leeds colours.

But Leeds came up short when Pascal Struijk deflected another shot, this time from Mohammed Kudus, that wrong-footed Wales’ no.1. Unlucky, even if Darlow might feel he should do better with the first.

Chris Sutton believes Leeds were the better side on Saturday, making the comment while responding to a Spurs fan who thinks they are title contenders. Wayne Rooney had sympathy for Daniel Farke and Leeds.

Alan Shearer identifies key difference between Leeds and Spurs

Ultimately, Tottenham’s ability to call on players worth north of £50m saw them win on Saturday. They had to rely on individual quality and a bit of luck to get the job done – and they got that in Kudus.

The former West Ham man was excellent, yet Alan Shearer told The Rest Is Football that Spurs’ ability to transition quickly and get up the pitch in the blink of an eye was the real difference at Elland Road.

Shearer also praised Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro, on The Rest Is Football: “I think the big difference for Spurs yesterday (Saturday) was that, Leeds had more possession, more shots, had the better chances.

“They put Spurs under huge pressure at times. What impressed me was how good Spurs were on the transition, on the turn over, got the ball forward quickly, two full-backs were great in Porro and Udogie.”

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Leeds have eight points from seven games, but deserve more

When Leeds were promoted, many were concerned at the trend of promoted sides being relegated. The previous six had been sent packing in their first season. Others were worried about manager Farke.

His six wins in 49 Premier League games at Norwich had fans and pundits calling for a change. Yet, both things have not come to pass. Leeds have more than held their own in six of their seven league games.

Only the Arsenal defeat saw Leeds outplayed. Wins against Everton and Wolves, draws against Newcastle and Bournemouth – the latter, should have been a win – and harsh defeats to Fulham and then Spurs.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Sean Longstaff, Joe Rodon, and Joel Piroe will be ruing their missed chances on Saturday as Leeds United suffered defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.

Leeds had plenty of chances throughout to score more than their one goal, which saw Noah Okafor tap in after Brenden Aaronson’s shot was parried by Guglielmo Vicario. Mathys Tel opened the scoring for Spurs.

A deflected effort that flew past Karl Darlow. Okafor equalised, but only after Calvert-Lewin blazed a huge chance over and Rodon hit the bar. Then, Spurs took the lead again, another deflected effort for Spurs.

Leeds had many chances. Calvert-Lewin came close to putting Leeds 2-1 up, Longstaff flashed an effort wide of the post to make it 2-2 and Piroe came off the bench to test the palms of Vicario in injury time.

Chris Sutton shuts down Tottenham fan with Leeds United verdict

Leeds were unlucky to come away without even a point. Daniel Farke was proud of his performance and believed Leeds should have not only drawn the game, but won. But ultimately, Leeds suffered defeat.

Vicario underlined how difficult going to Leeds is, with Leeds’ year-long unbeaten record at Elland Road in the league now in tatters. But Chris Sutton defended Leeds during BBC Radio 5 Live’s 606 programme.

A Spurs fan claimed his side were title contenders after the win against Leeds, and Sutton ridiculed him while also giving his verdict on Leeds: “You scraped a draw with Wolves last week, you drew in Norway.

“Bodo/Glimt played you off the park. Today, Leeds were the better team. Look at the stats, Leeds were the better team. You get over the line, suddenly, you’re in a title race? Is this cloud cuckoo-land you’re on?”.

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What are Leeds missing as concerning trend emerges…

This is not the first time that Leeds have played well, but failed to achieve what they have deserved. The draw against Newcastle saw Leeds draw 0-0, a decent result but actually, Leeds probably deserved to win.

Farke’s men certainly deserved a point against Fulham but for Gabriel Gudmundsson’s bizarre own goal, and were much the better team against Bournemouth only to concede a 93rd-minute equaliser.

Against Spurs, Leeds had more, and better, chances to win. Yet, Leeds find themselves with one point from the last two games when it could have easily been six. It is something Farke needs to rectify quickly.

Especially, with two massive games coming up next after the October international break. A trip to Turf Moor to take on fellow newly-promoted side Burnley, before facing West Ham at Elland Road.

Archie Gray was back at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon but didn’t manage to get off the bench as Tottenham Hotspur edged past Leeds United to win 2-1.

It was the first time that the 19-year-old Thorp Arch academy product had returned to Elland Road since completing a £40m move to Spurs back in 2024: Gray, one of five family members to play for Leeds.

His father, Andy, was alongside Harry, who was absent due to a hip problem, while his great-uncle Eddie was also in attendance as always. Grandfather Frank Gray also played for Leeds during his playing career.

Archie will have watched his old side dominate his new side, unlucky to go in at half-time, only drawing the match but perhaps thankful that Brenden Aaronson’s shot was parried into the path of Noah Okafor.

What the Leeds fans sang at Archie Gray while he warmed up

Okafor’s second Leeds goal came after Mathys Tel’s deflected effort found its way past Karl Darlow. The Wales no.1 will feel he should have done better with it, but the second deflected goal wrong-footed him.

Struijk was the one to deflect again, as Mohammed Kudus struck from the edge of the area to put Spurs 2-1 in front. Another game in which Leeds have deserved more, but come away with nothing to show.

Football London’s Alasdair Gold reported what he heard Leeds fans sing to Gray as he warmed up on the touchline. Gold also says long-linked Leeds target Ben Davies felt Gray should show some appreciation.

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Gold posted: “The Leeds fans sing to Archie Gray ‘You’re Leeds and you know you are’. He smiles before jogging off from his warm-up. Ben Davies seemed to suggest to him he should have acknowledged it.”

When could Archie Gray next make his first appearance v Leeds?

Leeds do not face Tottenham in North London until May 9, the third-last game of the Premier League season. Of course, Gray and Spurs could take on Leeds before then if the two sides meet in The FA Cup.

Tottenham fans wanted Gray to start on Saturday after his impressive cameo against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League during the week, having seen a shot at goal saved only to deflect in off a defender.

Leeds are now done until after the October break. They face two incredibly big games when it comes to avoiding relegation upon their return, a trip to Burnley before facing West Ham on October 24.

Daniel Farke has criticised Dominic Calvert-Lewin for his poor finishing in Leeds United’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Leeds United slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, a result they ultimately deserved but one that could have been so much different.

Daniel Farke’s side came flying out of the traps and ruffled Spurs with their combative challenges and high press.

However, the visitors still took the lead against the run of play when Mathys Tel’s shot cruelly deflected in off Pascal Struijk.

Leeds didn’t let their heads drop, though, and fought back through a goal from Noah Okafor, who left Farke impressed with his display.

The Whites were in the ascendancy but were unable to take advantage before a Gabriel Gudmundsson error opened the door for Mohammed Kudus to get the winner.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of Leeds, who did little in the final half hour to get themselves back level, but should have already put themselves in a better position.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was once again a prime culprit and Farke has called on him to improve.

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Daniel Farke gives scathing review on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s performance

Calvert-Lewin himself called for Leeds to start taking their chances or they will continue to be punished after the defeat, though he must look at himself.

The striker was given a golden chance on a silver plate when Anton Stach won the ball back high up the field and sent him through on goal, but his finish was wild and soared over the bar.

Calvert-Lewin had two more chances when Leeds were on top, but failed to convert either. Shortly after, Spurs retook the lead.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke said: “He has scored goals since he started playing. He doesn’t have to overdo it.

“He came into two good shooting positions and probably should have scored in the first half. He has to work on like this.

“If you just concentrate on scoring goals, it will never work.

“You have to make sure you are a good team-mate to work with. You just need a deflected or scruffy goal and the goals will come.”

Though Farke did praise his overall performance, his work in Leeds’ goal and ended his comments positively, it does ignore the fact that Calvert-Lewin has already scored a good goal this season which hasn’t eradicated his wastefulness in front of goal.

He desperately needs to start converting such gilt-edged chances or Leeds will pay the price.

Daniel Farke praises Brenden Aaronson

Farke was largely happy with his side’s performance despite the result, and another player who came in for praise was Brenden Aaronson.

Fans bemoaned the fact the American wasn’t sold in the summer and have been frustrated with his starting spot in the side.

Yet, Aaronson has put in bright displays of late on the wing and Saturday’s was his best yet.

Farke said: “You can see in the last games that his confidence is growing.

“Today he was there with what was more or less an assist. It was another decent game from him, not perfect, some things can always be a bit less complicated. His workrate is never in doubt.”