MOT Leeds News

The 25-year-old is now free to play again after serving his suspension under the FA's anti-doping rules.

He was strongly linked with a move to Leeds throughout the summer, as Daniel Farke looked for more forward depth.

And Leeds won't be thrilled as to why he's ended up in N17 over LS11.

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"Certainly for a long time, Leeds were winning the race (to sign Mudryk), certainly in the mind of Mykhailo Mudryk anyway," Kinsella said.

"He was super excited about joining Leeds. It was a great platform for him.

"Leeds did everything. I don't think that you will get anyone on, I shouldn't think on Chelsea's side either but certainly not on Mudryk's side, who thought Leeds weren't doing everything.

"Offering him a great spot in the squad, negotiating really hard with Chelsea, who were trying to make it an expensive loan to be fair to Leeds."

So, why was it then that Mudryk ended up a Tottenham player and not a Leeds one?

Leeds won't believe Chelsea's reason for Mudryk's Elland Road snub

It's no secret to anyone that Leeds and Chelsea don't get along.

However, the same can very much be said for the Blues and their London rivals Tottenham, who seldom ever do business with one another.

But according to Kinsella, Chelsea actually preferred to send him to Spurs over West Yorkshire.

"Leeds were doing everything within reason without going overboard to try and get this deal done," he continued.

"So I don't think it was actually that much Mudryk who didn't want to go to Leeds, I think it was more Chelsea preferred Mudryk went to Tottenham."

Richard Keys wasn’t impressed by Jarred Gillett as Leeds United and Tottenham played out a draw on Monday.

The Whites travelled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium knowing their place in the Premier League for next season is already secure.

The same can’t be said of the hosts, who continue to battle West Ham to avoid a drop into the Championship.

Mathys Tel handed the North London club the lead with a stunning strike, but ultimately cost his side all three points on the night.

The Frenchman gave away a penalty to hand Leeds the chance to snatch a point against Tottenham, with Gillett coming under fire for his role in that decision.

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Richard Keys unimpressed as VAR needed for Ethan Ampadu penalty claim

There were certainly ups and downs for both sides in the Premier League clash in N17.

Either outfit could have scored the goals to win as chances flowed throughout the 90 minutes and the bizarre 13 minutes of added time.

That wasn’t enough for Daniel Farke’s side to get on the scoresheet as they required a Dominic Calvert-Lewin spot kick to open the scoring.

Referee Gillett wasn’t one for offering the Englishman that opportunity as he waved away Ethan Ampadu’s claims after going down under challenge from Tel.

The Spurs man looked to clear the ball acrobatically, but on closer inspection at the pitchside monitor, he was deemed to have caught the Wales international in the face.

Although the right decision was ultimately made, Keys was left unimpressed by the fact that Gillett didn’t make the correct call himself.

Taking to X, the broadcaster said: “Why couldn’t Jarred Gillett give that pen last night? He was looking straight at it.

“We’re soon not going to need on-field refs. What’s the point? They don’t make big decisions.”

Calvert-Lewin was given the chance to celebrate against Tottenham, but that doesn’t take away from how simple a decision it should have been.

Leeds United prove Ampadu contact in Tottenham penalty incident

It seems clear enough from the footage that Tel’s high foot made contact with the Leeds skipper inside the penalty area.

There were still complaints from Spurs and supporters in North London, but the Whites have proven just how bad it actually was.

The Elland Road outfit shared an image to social media of a sizable red mark and scratches on Ampadu’s forehead with the caption, “Doesn’t touch him”, and a melting face emoji.

That is all the proof that any naysayers need and proves just how poor the original call from Gillett was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ethan Ampadu perfectly summed up the attitude in the Leeds United camp as he geed up his teammates prior to Monday’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Leeds headed into the contest in North London already mathematically assured of Premier League safety after West Ham United’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday.

Daniel Farke‘s men have achieved their main target for the season, but finishing as high up the table as possible will now be the aim.

And the Whites certainly showed no signs of slowing down as they battled to a 1-1 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As the dust settles on that well-earned point with Spurs, an unseen moment has now emerged.

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Ethan Ampadu leads by example

Ampadu has been superb for Leeds all campaign long, having led by example with the captain’s armband.

There are fears Ampadu could leave Leeds before long should a team higher up the proverbial food chain come calling.

The Wales international was to thank for United’s equaliser in the capital as he put his head on the line when caught by Mathys Tel for the penalty that Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted.

As the image below shows, there is no question whether he was actually caught by Tottenham goalscorer Tel.

Ampadu was never going to let his Leeds side roll over, as epitomised before a ball was even kicked.

As flagged by Graham Smyth in his off-camera moments piece for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Ampadu could be see “geeing up the starting outfield players” during the warm-ups.

It is said that Ampadu showed no signs of taking it easier with Leeds safe, which could be seen in the performance.

Ampadu leads the way at Leeds in multiple metrics

Ampadu has played the most minutes of any Leeds player in the Premier League this season with 2,939 in total.

Pascal Struijk is next on that list with 2,846, followed by Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle with 2,771 and 2,716 respectively.

The 25-year-old has nine yellow cards to his name, which is four more than any other Leeds player this campaign.

Ampadu is also near the top for a number of defensive aspects, though it is arguably an intangible one he is most important at, and that is his leadership qualities.

Long may that continue for Leeds United now that Premier League safety is in the bag.

James Trafford should be a priority target for Leeds United in the upcoming transfer window.

The Manchester City goalkeeper could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium once again after losing the number one spot to Gianluigi Donnarumma this season.

Daniel Farke reinstated Karl Darlow in between the sticks earlier on in the campaign after Lucas Perri’s struggles, but the Whites could certainly do with an upgrade over the Wales international.

Against Tottenham Hotspur away from home on 11 May, the 35-year-old goalkeeper should have arguably saved Mathys Tel’s shot after getting his fingertips to it, with the game eventually ending in a 1-1 draw after Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored from the spot.

Darlow has been key at Elland Road to the Peacocks’ Premier League survival hopes, but 49ers Enterprises should be looking to sign a quality shot-stopper in the summer.

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Karl Darlow gamble may not pay off at Leeds United next season

Leeds clearly didn’t think Darlow was good enough to be their number one in the Premier League last summer, leading to Perri’s arrival.

After the Brazilian goalkeeper failed to live up to expectations, the Welshman has once again been called upon but has recorded a goals-prevented score of -2.4, as per Sofascore.

The veteran shot-stopper has kept four clean sheets in 20 Premier League appearances, conceded 1.2 goals per game, saved none of the two penalties he has faced and made one error that has led to a shot.

At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Darlow completed 23 of his 44 passes, with just 28 per cent of his long balls finding a teammate.

The veteran goalkeeper didn’t have much to do in the game, making one save and recording a goals-prevented score of -0.03, indicating that he could have undoubtedly done better.

James Trafford bargain transfer should be on cards at Elland Road

Leeds’ move for Trafford would surely be a no-brainer for them if they have ambitions of avoiding another Premier League relegation battle next season.

While the 23-year-old England international surely won’t come cheap, the Whites should look at securing a multiple-year loan deal for him if they can.

Another way to convince Man City to sell him for a lower price could potentially be to include multiple bonuses, a buyback clause and a hefty sell-on clause for any future move.

A reliable number one would certainly help Farke take the West Yorkshire outfit a step further next season, but it remains to be seen who they will end up signing.

Leeds United ensured the Premier League survival race remains entertaining for the neutrals after their 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.

Travelling supporters had a lot to cheer for before kick-off as the Whites had already secured Premier League safety after West Ham United’s loss to Arsenal.

As for Spurs, they’re still in the thick of a relegation battle, and sit two points above 18th place after dropping points at home to the West Yorkshire outfit.

Mathys Tel and Dominic Calvert-Lewin got on the scoresheet for their respective teams in the second half in what was a rather dull affair until the final few minutes, in which Sean Longstaff came close to scoring twice while James Maddison had a penalty claim checked by VAR.

Daniel Farke and Roberto De Zerbi’s teams played around 115 minutes of football in North London, and the travelling supporters had a lot to say in N17.

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Leeds United fans mock Tottenham video and Jarred Gillett

Before kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the hosts played an inspirational video montage for their team, which led to chants of “we are staying up” from the away end.

Jarred Gillett also wasn’t spared by the Whites’ fans, who made their feelings clear about the referee who failed to spot an obvious foul on Ethan Ampadu by Mathys Tel.

The West Yorkshire outfit’s midfielder was down with his head in his hands after Mathys Tel’s attempted overhead kick clearance caught him.

Gillett didn’t stop play for the head injury, leading to chants of “you’re not fit to referee” from the away end, but after a VAR review, the Peacocks were eventually awarded a spot kick.

Jayden Bogle concern may arise at Elland Road

Daniel James was underwhelming against Tottenham as he replaced Jayden Bogle in the starting lineup.

The reason for the right-back’s absence has turned out to be a hamstring injury and it remains to be seen whether he’ll now be fit enough to feature at Elland Road against Bright & Hove Albion.

Facundo Buonanotte also missed from the squad due to the same issue, but Farke has rarely used the attacking-midfielder since his loan move in the winter transfer window.

With James struggling at right-wing-back, it will be interesting to see what the German manager will do if Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson don’t return from the sidelines.

Leeds United left Tottenham Hotspur fans biting their nails after the 1-1 draw in the Premier League on Monday.

The Whites travelled to North London on 11 May and got a point, having already secured Premier League safety after West Ham United’s loss to Arsenal, but Spurs are still in a relegation battle.

In the opening 45 minutes, both teams had opportunities to score, but Joe Rodon probably forced Antonin Kinsky to pull off the best save of the half.

Mathys Tel gave the hosts the lead in the 50th minute, but the French forward’s mistake led to a penalty, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin slotted home in the 74th minute.

Daniel Farke got points off Roberto De Zerbi’s team, as travelling supporters had more than Premier League safety to cheer for in North London.

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Daniel James fails to make mark in Leeds United draw vs Tottenham

James got a rare start for Leeds this season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but played out of position at right-wing-back.

The Wales international had a chance to show Farke that he could potentially be an option for him in the changed system ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

While the 28-year-old was not in his natural position, he failed to contribute offensively or defensively, and it was surprising that Farke made no changes at the break.

James can have no complaints if he doesn’t get any more opportunities in the final two games of the season in the Premier League after his stinker in North London.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal overshadows struggle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Calvert-Lewin’s hold-up play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Leeds just wasn’t good enough, as he gave the ball away multiple times.

The England international will have surely left his teammates in midfield frustrated by putting the Whites under pressure on multiple occasions.

Calvert-Lewin’s mistake saw Spurs hit the West Yorkshire outfit on the break and subsequently score after being awarded a corner.

The 29-year-old hasn’t been in the best of form in recent weeks, but managed to redeem himself somewhat in N17 as the Peacocks equalised from the spot after Tel conceded a penalty.

Leeds United player ratings vs Tottenham

Karl Darlow – 4

Daniel James – 2

Joe Rodon – 7

Jaka Bijol – 6

Pascal Struijk – 5

James Justin – 7

Ethan Ampadu – 8

Anton Stach – 5

Ao Tanaka – 6

Brenden Aaronson – 6

Dominic Clavert-Lewin – 7

Substitutes:

Sebastiaan Bornauw – 5

Wilfried Gnonto – 5

Lukas Nmecha – 5

Leeds United were forced to defend a corner after Karl Darlow was penalised for holding onto the ball for too long against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.

Jarred Gillett awarded Spurs a corner at home on 11 May after seemingly indicating that the Wales goalkeeper had held onto the ball longer than the eight seconds allotted.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy was surprised to see the corner being given and claimed he hadn’t seen something like that happen before.

Daniel Farke was clearly not happy with the referee’s decision in the 32nd minute, as the North London outfit had an opportunity to find the back of the net right after.

Leeds go into the break level at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the visitors will be confident about getting the better of the hosts with slight tweaks in the second half after creating some decent chances.

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Leeds United must make statement at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Speaking on talkSPORT on 11 May, Sam Matterface said, “I think he has counted the eight seconds and given a corner,” and Murphy responded, “I think that’s the first time I’ve seen that.”

Leeds have guaranteed their Premier League safety this season, but they will surely want to go higher up the table to multiply their end-of-season prize money.

The Whites should be looking to end the season on a high note, and with the pressure off them in terms of the relegation battle, the players should be freer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

With Spurs still not safe from the drop, the West Yorkshire outfit should look to take advantage of any nerves the opposition defenders show in N17.

The travelling supporters in North London must be in a party mood, and the Peacocks can give them more to cheer for at the end of the evening.

Daniel Farke must make evident half-time change vs Tottenham

Dan James has started his first Leeds game in a while due to injuries to Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson.

The Wales international is playing in an unnatural position, and it hasn’t been surprising to see him struggle at right-wing-back against the Tottenham attackers.

It would make sense for Farke to change things up a bit by maybe bringing Sam Byram on or moving a few players around to get James into a more attacking position.

The West Yorkshire outfit have shown in the opening 45 minutes that they can get the better of Spurs, having created some impressive opportunities before the break.

Tottenham Hotspur have been urged by Jeff Stelling to be wary of Leeds United ahead of their Monday clash.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are edging closer to Premier League safety at the end of a massively dismal campaign.

A win against a terrible Aston Villa side has moved them out of the bottom three, with West Ham’s controversial defeat against Arsenal also helping matters.

Spurs will be dreaming of a Tottenham Hotspur Stadium win to enhance their survival chances, but Daniel Farke’s men could be party poopers.

Leeds travel to face Tottenham, with Stelling warning the Lilywhites of the sort of performance the Yorkshire club could put in.

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Jeff Stelling adamant Leeds won’t make life easy for Spurs

The LS11 outfit secured victory last time out against Burnley to all but secure their place in the top flight for next season – with that now confirmed thanks to West Ham’s loss to Arsenal.

A strong run of form has ensured the Whites are safe, meaning there is nothing to play for on the face of it in their remaining three games, starting with Monday’s clash against Spurs.

Spurs currently sit six points behind the Whites with three games to go each, while West Ham occupy 18th with one point less than their London rivals.

That gap could be extended to four if De Zerbi seals victory over Farke’s men.

Stelling doesn’t believe Leeds officially being safe will make any difference, as he warned Tottenham that the Elland Road side won’t just roll over.

He said: “I don’t know why, but I look at the Leeds squad, and they don’t strike me as a squad that will down tools just because they are safe.”

Leeds are set to travel to play Tottenham, with the chance of moving up the table still on the cards, with relegation so nearly off the table.

Gabby Agbonlahor moots top Premier League finish for Leeds United

If Stelling has warned Tottenham that the Whites won’t roll over, Gabby Agbonlahor has only high hopes for the final three games of the season.

Farke is preparing to line up against Spurs, Brighton and West Ham in the last weeks of the season, with a rise up the Premier League table still possible.

That hasn’t been lost on the former Aston Villa forward, who believes Leeds can still finish closer to mid-table.

He said: “There’s no reason why they can’t catch Newcastle in 13th place, only three points in it with two games to go. Two winnable games as well for Leeds.”

That has to be the goal for the Yorkshire side in the final weeks of the campaign, and it would certainly be the ideal end to a positive season back in the Premier League.

Leeds United‘s game against Tottenham is still important for more than one reason, as Daniel Farke has a dilemma in the final third after Noah Okafor’s recent setback.

The Whites travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday, where they can mathematically ensure their Premier League safety with a result.

Farke knows that it will be a hard test against Spurs, who have consecutive wins for the first time this year, and are fighting for their lives under Roberto De Zerbi.

But things have only been made harder for the Leeds boss, with Okafor ruled out for Tottenham, and the following game against Brighton.

Farke will have to find Dominic Calvert-Lewin a striker partner for the match, unless he wants to change up the formation, but that seems unlikely.

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Who should start: Dan James or Lukas Nmecha?

Lukas Nmecha would seem the obvious player to start next to Calvert-Lewin, as the pair initially kick-started the Whites’ comeback earlier in the season.

However, injuries to Nmecha have slowed the momentum of their partnership down, and not only that, some concerns over a similar playstyle have put things in doubt.

As seen in the table above, Nmecha hasn’t registered a goal involvement for the Whites in too long, and Farke may have doubts over starting him.

Dan James has been tipped to start against Spurs, though it would be a fairly different position for the Welshman.

James has played just one minute of Premier League football in the last three games, but Spurs feel like the perfect opponent to play him against.

The Lilywhites will be gunning for the win, and James’ pace could be vital for counterattacks, compared to what Nmecha would offer.

Why Farke could hand James last chance before summer

There have been suggestions to say that James should be sold this summer, with his injuries frustrating fans.

The 28-year-old should be in his peak years as a footballer, but constant setbacks have the Whites at a disadvantage, with the need to improve this summer evident.

James in the Championship last season:

James would have a big challenge in trying to prove his fitness against Tottenham, but if there were ever a match that suits his ability, it’s this one.

Many Leeds fans would be sad to see him go, but Farke may have to be ruthless this summer, to ensure that the feared second-season syndrome doesn’t hit the Whites.

Selling James could be part of this plan if he can’t turn things around, but he needs a final chance.

Tottenham Hotspur host Leeds United on Monday, as both sides look to continue their strong runs in the Premier League.

Since returning from the international break last month, Daniel Farke’s side have been in fine form, with three wins out of four in the league.

It has been a fantastic year for the Whites, who have settled into top flight life seamlessly following their ascent last May.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have surged under Roberto De Zerbi in recent weeks – winning successive matches against Wolves and Aston Villa.

Looking ahead to the clash on Monday, MOT Leeds News takes a look at the key details.

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How to watch Tottenham vs Leeds

Hosts Spurs had not won a match in 2026 until two weeks ago, when they finally ended the drought against Wolves.

As a result, the Lilywhites are now the favourites to go on and secure survival – though Leeds will be looking to have a say in this.

With the fixture selected for coverage by Sky, supporters not making the far-from-ideal trip to London will be able to watch live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with Ultra HD options available with the appropriate hardware.

Fans on the move can stream the action through the Sky Go app, subject to subscription, as well as the Sky Sports website.

As always with the Monday Night Football programme, coverage will start 90 minutes before kick-off, with further analysis from Jamie Carragher after the final whistle.

Leeds to end fantastic season on a high

Heading into the final three matches, Farke and his side will be looking to end what has been a sensational season on a high.

During the term’s early days, the Whites continued to struggle at the bottom end, putting pressure on Farke’s shoulders.

However, Leeds have since responded perfectly, and have even played some fantastic football across their most recent wins.

Looking to build towards next season, it is crucial that the West Yorkshire outfit do not end up ‘on the beach’ and simply let the season fizzle out.

Starting with a trip to Tottenham, Farke and his men must ensure that they end the season strongly, with a view to further progression next term.