Leeds Live

Joe Hart and Peter Crouch have both suggested that Leeds United can survive in the Premier League this season following their return to the top flight

Daniel Farke's side fell to a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon, but there were plenty of positives to take away from the game. "Leeds looked solid, I thought they made it difficult," the former England goalkeeper Hart told TNT Sports.

"They were pushing until the end, I think Tottenham had to change their formation and use more defenders towards the back end. I think that’s the biggest compliment you can pay Leeds in a defeat. They made it, so, so difficult for Tottenham.

"But if they can keep building on that, they seem like they’re very united and they can push forward."

Meanwhile, Crouch added: "I think Leeds will be fine - certainly at home. The players they’ve bought and sold, I think they will be alright, actually."

Noah Okafor scored the only goal for the hosts, and the result means that Leeds have got four points from their last four games. This was the third match they played against a Champions League team.

Meanwhile, Leeds boss Farke expressed his satisfaction with his side's performance. "Until 80th minute I was happy. We looked very solid defensively and gave the goal away," he said post-match.

"Leeds concede very little in xG [expected goals]. Leeds were good today and defended very well on the ball. We were unfortunate. We are disappointed and we are playing for results.

"We were the better side today. We had most shots and expected goals. More corners. Each aspect we were the better side today but it's all about goals. Unnecessary loss of the ball in the first half. We were punished by the deflection or otherwise the balls would not have gone in.

"We should have scored three or four. If you dominate games and not win points it will be difficult But I cannot just pray for results, we need performances. I'm proud of how we've come as a team. Many compliments to the team."

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Archie Gray completed a lap of Elland Road, applauding Leeds supporters after making his return to the club with Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs prevailed 2-1 on their trip to Yorkshire with Noah Okafor's equaliser proving to be in vain after Mohammd Kudus' strike proved the difference in the second period.

But the clash acted as a homecoming of sorts for Gray, who departed Leeds for north London little over a year ago.

The Whites earned a fee between £25million and £30m as Joe Rodon also moved in the opposite direction following his successful loan spell.

It was Spurs that won the race for the teenager's signature after a transfer to Brentford collapsed at the eleventh hour.

And, having moved in the summer, Gray never got to say goodbye to supporters after coming through the ranks at the club over eight years.

The versatile youngster did not make it off the bench on Saturday afternoon, but Leeds' vocal support was sure to make their affection for the academy product clear.

"You're Leeds and you know you are," came the calls from the home crowd as he warmed up. Gray could not help but smile.

The England under-21 international jogged off before meeting teammate Ben Davies, who appeared to suggest that he should have acknowledged it.

Gray's interaction with the crowd did not end there however, as he took the time to show his appreciation following the full-time whistle, and offered a dedicated goodbye.

Speaking before the game, Gray could not help but cover his excitement to return to Leeds.

“I can’t wait. That’s my home, that’s where I’ve been raised and I’ve got so much love for Leeds but I’m playing for Tottenham now, we’ve obviously got a job to do at the weekend and we’re looking forward to that.

“Already it feels a little bit weird that we’re going to be playing against a team where I’ve spent virtually my whole life.

“I’m so grateful for everything that they’ve done for me and I’m so proud to be from Leeds and be one of their own.

"Of course, it’s going to be unusual going back there this weekend, but we’ve got a job to do.”

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 from hi, not perfect, some things can always be a bit less complicated. His orkrate is never in doubt.

Good performance, he played a major part in the first goal. Good owrk load. First half probs should hit the target then a a good save from the goalkeeper.

If he thinks too much and force it it'll never work. He needs to keep brining himelf into good positions

We were unfortunate. We are disppointed and we are playing for results. We were the better side today. We had most shots and expected goals. More corners. Each aspect we were the better side today but it's all about goals.

Unnecessary loss of the ball in the first half. We were punished by the deflection or otherwise the balls would not have gone in.

We should have scored three or four. If you dominate games and not win points it will be difficult But I cannot just pray for results, we need performances. I'm proud of how we've come as a team. Many compliments to the team.

Here are how the Leeds United payers rated after this afternoon's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Noah Okafor getting the only goal for the hosts.

Karl Darlow - Was deceived by the deflection for both goals and made some good saves otherwise. 7

Jayden Bogle - His positioning was given the biggest test today with Destiny Udogie, which in turn prevented him going forward that much. 7

Joe Rodon - Looked like he wanted to prove a point against his former club with good defensive work and coming close to scoring with a header. 8

Pascal Strujik - Desperately unlucky with the two deflections off of him for Tottenham's goals having tried to do the right thing each time. He felt it. 6

Gabriel Gudmundsson - Didn't do much wrong but, like Bogle, was throttled from going forward by the pace and intentions of Mohammed Kudus. 7

Anton Stach - Pretty anonymous, certain in the main flow of the game. Being taken off as part of the first round of substitutes was telling of his shift. 6

Ethan Ampadu - Put his leg or shoulder into the tackle, sometimes cleanly, sometimes not. Always the leader. 7

Sean Longstaff - Numerous well-timed tackles and wasn't afraid to shoot when given chance. The midfield engine today. 8

Brenden Aaronson - Best performance yet, with turnovers, dribbles and shots. His effort led to United's equalsier. 8

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Blazed over a first-half effort he should have kept down before going close with a low saved effort and a sliding attempt at a cross. Held the ball well once more. 7

Noah Okafor - Cool as you like when tapping home for 1-1. Played some really incisive balls too but also lost possession on occasion. 7

SUBS

James Justin (89' for Bogle) - Came on too late for a rating. N/A

Ao Tanaka (66' for Stach) - His presence prevented so may breakaways by holding position fine. 7

Jack Harrison (66' for Aaronson) - Tried to stay busy and put in a cross or two. 7

Joel Piroe (79' for Okafor) - Forced a late save from Vicario. 6

Lukas Nmecha - (79' for Gudmundsson) Didn't see much of the ball despite adding height. 5

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Full-time

Despite two late chances for Piroe and Struijk, Leeds lose.

Late save forced

Long ball from Darlow is headed down by Calvert-Lewin and Piroe forces a low save from Vicario with his shot.

Six mins added on

Still legs in this one yet...

Leeds frustrated

Thise subs have not led to any more attackig joy. Spurs go up the other end and win a corner. Three minutes to go.

Nmecha and Piroe coming on

Leeds need fresh legs and are about to bring two strikers on. Okafor and Gudmundsson off for Nmecha and Piroe.

Longstaff just wide

That's better. Tanaka venuteres forward and finds Longstaff, who turns and fires narrowly wide.

Two Leeds subs

Tanaka on for Stach and Harrison on for Aaronson

Okafor goes head to head

A foul was give against Okafor and he goes head to head with Romero after being left ahgast by the decision. Both players get yellow cards.

Spurs score

Kudus gets it. Looks like his effort deflected off Struijk's tackle

Straight into Darlow's arms

Aaronson was the draught excluder again and Ampadu this time pulled him over, prompting laughs. Easy enough for the goalkeeper.

Ampadu carded

He went in heavily on Porror, leaving him in a clump. Spurs have a free-kick to the right of the D about 22-ish yards out.

Good save Vicario

Okafor plays in Calvert-Lewin, who turns his man and forces Vicario to save with his feet. The ball is then struck across the box but Calvert-Lewin nor Okafor can get on the end of it with the 'keeper beat. A frantic start.

Darlow palms away

It's tipping it down again here which could impact things. Darlow has just had to palm away a cross with players slipping and sliding.

Half-time

Leeds haven't half showed resilience in the last three games, drawing level after going behind.

Clear things for Farke to fix at HT, including fending off breakaways and keeping structure.

An interesting 45 minutes to follow.

Darlow saves

I think Simons would have been judged to be offside afterwards but his cross finds Tel, who heads goalwards and Darlow tips onto the bar with his fingertips before Struijk clears.

Yellow card for Palhinha

Went in late on Aaronson but ref played advantage. Leeds bench were in uproar. The Spurs midfielder eventually gets the yellow.

Longtsaff over

Leeds and the crowd are up! The hosts win the ball back and Longstaff has two attemps at goal, the first blocked and the second over the bar

LEEDS SCORE!

Aaronson fires in an effort forcing Vicario to palm into the path of Okafor, who passes the ball into the net!

Stoppage in play

Udogie is finding too much joy down the left, it's something Daniel Farke needs to fix.

Leeds have a free-kick for a foul on Longstaff with Tel getting treatement at the other end for a collision.

Leeds let off

Spurs break with Udogie and there is a three on two. The ball is played to Kudus who tries to take it early but gets it all wrong. Harmlessly wide.

Calvert-Lewin should do much better

The striker turns Bentacur but flahses his shot high and wide, haivng taken an extra touch. Faerke turns his face. Should have done better.

Spurs score

Tel's deflected shot beats Darlow. His effort strikes the foot of Struijk and it beats the goalkeeper at his near post.

Leeds fans unhappy

Kudus leaves one late on Stach and gets a yellow card.

Darlow blocks

Simons feed udogie on the left, who breaks into the box and puts in criss that Darlow has to chest away

Gudmundsson makes brilliant recovery

The left-back headed backwards after slightly misjudging the ball and Kudus lacthed onto it. Gudmundsson tracked back and tackled superbly to win possession back. Excellent.

Palhinha over

Ampadu clears a cross rather lazily and it falls to the Spurs midfielder who fires over the bar

Rodon hits the post

Longstaff sends in a free-kick from the left channel and Rodon heads it onto the upright from a tight angle at the far post. He was unlucky.

Daniel Farke has decided to stick with the same midfield trio that has been integral to Leeds United's good start to the season for today's lunchtime clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Ethan Ampadu's place in the team is always assured if he is fit, and Sean Longstaff's man of the match display last week has cemented his spot for the time being. It is also no surprise to see Anton Stach start, given his attacking threat and ability to transition defence to attack.

Ao Tanaka's stoppage-time foul which led to free-kick from which Bournemouth scored their equaliser last week never did his chances of starting any favours. The rest of the team also remains unchanged from the draw with the Cherries.

With Lucas Perri not yet ready to take to the field despite his return to team training from a quad injury, Karl Darlow is given the chance to continue his good form. The back line consists of Jayden Bogle, ex-Spurs man Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Gabriel Gudmundsson.

With Daniel James out for at least a month and Wilfried Gnonto still out with his calf issue, Brenden Aaronson starts his fourth game on the right. Left flanker Noah Okafor and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin complete the front line.

The only squad change sees Sebastiaan Bornauw come in for the injured James. Harry Gray, previously a doubt with a hip flexor issue, is not here for a reunion with his brother Archie, who is here with the Tottenham squad.

Leeds United XI: Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Longstaff; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.

Subs: Meslier, Bijol, Bornauw, Justin, Gruev, Tanaka, Harrison, Piroe, Nmecha.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been boosted by the return of captain Cristian Romero for the Premier League clash with Leeds United.

Romero missed the midweek 2-2 draw at Bodo/Glimt as a “precaution” but Thomas Frank revealed he is available to play on Saturday (12.30pm).

However, Dominic Solanke and PSG loanee Kolo Muani aren't ready to play as the visitors look for a third consecutive big win at Elland Road.

Spurs inflicted 4-1 and 4-0 hammerings in their last two visits - but they will find a home side that has made a solid start to their top flight campaign.

"Romero is fit and available and he will start tomorrow," the Spurs boss confirmed. "Promising news. I think there was a contact to the foot and the medical team did a good job to get him turned around.

“Kolo Muani has been on the pitch the last two days, so that’s very positive.

"Dominic had a minor procedure and it went well. As I said in Bodo, in terms of a time frame (for his return to action) we'll know more after the international break."

Frank was complimentary about Leeds' start and said: "I think Leeds have done very well since they have got promoted. Elland Road is one of the best games to go to because the atmosphere is always great. Clearly, they have been very good at home.

"They give very little away in open play. It could be 90 minutes back and forth."

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There will be a few familiar faces to Leeds United when Tottenham Hotspur come to town at 12.30pm on Saturday.

Not only are Archie Gray and Djed Spence former players but this will be the sixth time Daniel Farke comes up against Thomas Frank. In five battles, Farke has not lost one, with three wins to show from his days at Norwich City when Frank was Brentford boss.

Those in the Elland Road away end this Saturday will remember Joe Rodon, who spent four years at the club yet only made 15 Premier League appearances. He is due to line up against Spurs for the first time since being sold by them upon his permanent switch to Leeds in 2023.

The back line looks due to stay the same for the contest with Spurs as it was against Bournemouth, with Jayden Bogle at right-back, Pascal Struijk alongside Rodon and Gabriel Gudmundsson on the left.

With Lucas Perri back in team training but not ready to play just yet, Karl Darlow will keep his place in goal. Last week’s midfield three have performed well as a trio and Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach look set to keep their place alongside Ethan Ampadu.

The big injury news this week is that Daniel James is due to be out of action for between four and six weeks after suffering an ankle injury in training. With Wilfried Gnonto still out, Brenden Aaronson is poised to make another start of the right flank.

Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have impressed in recent outings and are set to retain their place as the number one picks. We could therefore see an unchanged side upon another full week’s rest.

Predicted XI: Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Longstaff; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.

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Daniel Farke says Joe Rodon is showing that he belongs in the Premier League, just over a year after being sold to Leeds United by Saturday’s opponents Tottenham Hotspur.

The centre-back only played 15 Premier League matches during his four years at Spurs, during which he played under four different managers.

After a loan at French club Stade Rennais, Rodon was loaned to Leeds in 2023 before signing permanently for then-Championship club in 2024.

The Wales international has started every league game under Farke for the past two years and netted his first career top-flight goal in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth.

Speaking ahead of the season, Rodon said he felt he had a “point to prove” in the Premier League. “I didn't play that much, of course, when I was at Tottenham,” he told Leeds Live.

“I didn't get really that much of an opportunity that every player wants. I feel like this has been a long time coming and not just for me, but for other players as well.”

These comments were put to Farke in Thursday’s pre-match press conference. “Yes, if it's his opinion, then he should be also right,” he responded.

“I can't tell ‘No, Joe, you don't have anything to prove’. It's not like he already has 200 Premier League games under his belt.

“Of course, naturally, it was more difficult to come into this side when they signed him, they were more or less playing the Champions League final

"He's grown also as a player, as a person with his personality - I think he's a way better player than he was perhaps three years ago. And for that, I think he has proven in the first games that even on this level, he can perform on a top level.

“But the message is to show this consistency, not just over a few weeks or a few months. It's important to show this over a whole course of the season. It's more or less, also the challenge for Joe right now.

“So far so good. I think he has played excellently so far. Also I like that he adds more and more to be a goal threat.”

Farke will come against a number of familiar faces on Saturday. Archie Gray - who Farke said was a “joy to work with” - and Djed Spence are now both playing their trade at Spurs and could face their former club this weekend.

Meanwhile, ex-Norwich City manager Farke has faced up against Tottenham boss Thomas Frank on five occasions while the Dane was Brentford boss. Farke has yet to lose to his counterpart, having won three and drawn two.

“So we rate each other. So I rate him so much, not just as a manager, but also as a human being,” said Farke. “Although I had good results, it’s never easy. His teams are always well-structured and well-managed. Against the ball, they play and press with intensity.

“The mentality that Thomas brings into his team, they always are pretty effective and also find pragmatic solutions to grind out results.

"This is a sign of his handwriting. His team is always fit, shows good mentality, good spirit. And this comes totally down to Thomas, and this is why it's always so difficult to get a result against the sides.”

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If he says so. It's not like he has made 200 Prmeier Legaue games. I think over the three years he has improved.

He's been more of a goal threat too. He's already shwoing in the first games he is [ready for this level].

Best finisher I ever worked with. In these terms very world class.

But we have to accept we won't always be in this position. In other games we needed some other skills. I'm 100% sure during the season his skills and stengths will be needed.

It's also have to accept this as a professional footballer.

I ca only speak of his time under me. It was joy for him to watch him develop. I played him ahead of Luke Ayling as a 17 years old, he played more or less every game.

I had the feeling he was ready. Always willing to improve and give advice.

Sometimes can be over motivated and make mistakes. Sometimes you have to calm them down.

I out my arm around Gabby (after Fulham) This is what I did before the Wolves game. We don't over interpretate this.

They play with a press and intesnity. His style of play, set-pices, throwins are also important for Thomas.

They play in Europe so have to rotate a bit more. They have the squad and the players to do this. Always difficult to be in the spolight but they always find a way to dig in. That's the menatlity Thomas brings.

We always have to be aware that they can always come back and score a late goal. This is why it's always so difficult to play against Thomas' sides.

You always have to decide in the moment. It was the case that if we want to sub then definitely the offensive. Also to give time for us to breathe in the last moments.

So the subs were quite natural. I didn;t feel it was a game where we were under pressure. Wanted to replace striker with striker. Usually I dont subtitute during set-pieces but I felt in this case it was a bit hectic.

Was thinking there was one free-kick to defend. I was thinking to give a break and regroup while not changing anything in our set up. If I'm honest, Dominic's position and Lukas had no effect. I'm not sure something different would have changed this but you have to decide in the moment. Sadly it wasn't enough to prevent the goal.

James is out for a few week.s He roeld his ankle in training, Likely out for 4-6 weeks. We expect him back after November international break.

If he was available before it would be a bonus. Not great news.

Gnonto will miss this came with his calf problems, not back in team training. Back after interntional break.

Question marks over Harry Gray, some problems with hip flexor after [youth] game on Monday.

Lucas Perri is back in team training since yesterday. Good news but too early to involve him. International break is good for two weeks of training - we expect him out after that.

The start was good. What I like about our start is that we've not won point lucky but lost three points unlucky.

Sometimes it's healthy that we are not we are not in a top position so we can fly under the radar. We need to deliver with consistency.

It's a players game not a manager's game. I've know him a long time. I rate him not just as a manager but as a human being.

Quality managers are defined over the long term and consistency. This is what Frank has done. It's never easy, his teams are well structured and coach.