A frustrating afternoon in the rain saw Leeds United suffer defeat to Tottenham when it could have really gone either way. Leeds had many chances to score more than just one goal.
Noah Okafor scored his second goal in Leeds colours after opening his account against Wolves, but Joel Piroe, Joe Rodon, Sean Longstaff, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all missed decent chances against Spurs.
The Premier League table sees eight points secured from eight games for Leeds, having conceded last-minute goals to Bournemouth and Fulham and arguably play better than Newcastle and Tottenham.
Certainly, Chris Sutton thinks Leeds were the better side on Saturday afternoon. But Leeds will now have to suck it up and prepare themselves after the break for two enormous relegation six-pointers.
Lucas Radebe pinpoints issue Leeds have had with Noah Okafor
Okafor’s second goal of the season makes him the club’s top scorer so far, the only player to score more than once this season after netting Leeds’ third goal against Wolves. Okafor has been criticised, though.
Jon Newsome said Leeds can’t afford passengers when discussing Okafor’s display at Wolves, in which he scored. Now, Radebe told LUTV that Okafor kept losing the ball but praised him for his “perseverance”.
“He did well, even if he was losing the ball. Persevering, not getting disappointed, still getting in behind the defenders, he did well. He created chances, he got into the box. He’ll learn from those situations.”
Noah Okafor’s stats for Leeds United in defeat to Tottenham
Okafor’s struggles to retain possession are a clear sign that the Switzerland international is still getting to grips with the Premier League, following his £18m move from Milan towards the end of the window.
It is a challenge to overcome and while Okafor does lose possession, he also gives Leeds that bit of flair and magic that can often provide the difference. That arrogance, in a good way, that Leeds actually need.
Noah Okafor’s stats against Tottenham:
- 79 minutes played, 7.8 FotMob rating
- XG+XA: 0.81, four defensive contributions
- 34 touches, 12/13 successful passes (92%)
- Two tackles, two recoveries, one goal
- Five duels won, four lost
Okafor will lose possession, that is just the way the Swiss ace plays. But Farke clearly believes that Okafor’s ability to provide magic, add a goal threat and create out of nothing, means it is worth starting him.
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