Leeds United lost 2-1 to Spurs at Elland Road, which ended a 23-game league run without defeat for Leeds at home.
Tottenham Hotspur were on a run of seven defeats in a row before international breaks, but Spurs sealed a record-breaking win over their hosts and a long run ending for Leeds.
Leeds United fought back from a goal down to level the scores at 1-1 after Mathys Tel’s opener. The goal came from Noah Okafor before Mohamed Kudus won it in the second 45 in West Yorkshire.
Leeds continued their dismal early kick-off Premier League record in the process, which will be a huge frustration for Daniel Farke and co. after dropping points late on to both Fulham and Bournemouth.
Noah Okafor’s goal was almost extremely controversial
Some performances were still positive for Leeds against Spurs but the silver lining was perhaps Okafor scoring his second for the club in just three matches.
However, the moment was very nearly a contentious and controversial one, as Mike Dean explained live in air on Soccer Saturday when speaking with Michael Dawson at the time of the equaliser.
Dawson said: “What I really like about Leeds United, I’ve covered them against Fulham, and they didn’t really play to their strengths. Trying to pass, pass, patient.
“When you’ve got Dominic Calvert-Lewin, what’s he going to do? He’s going to cause problems when you play the ball up to him.
“Put the ball in the box — wide areas. Comes from Bogle. Played it in, a cross, comes to him [Calvert-Lewin], great touch, lends it to Aaronson.
“Bit of a deflection. Who’s at the back post? It’s Noah Okafor to tap in from three yards out.
“Wow! I’ve just seen the ball nearly come on the pitch there. What has happened there? Wow. I thought — oh no, it’s not a ball! It’s a balloon ball. It’s a beach ball!”
Clinton Morrison added: “It’s Darren Bent’s balloon ball!”
Dawson responded: “My goodness. Okafor, he is not going to miss. I wouldn’t miss. And it’s a balloon ball. A beach ball. It’s a beach ball!
“Anyway, made no difference, it went in the back of the net. What a game of football.”
Simon Thomas said: “If it rolls in a couple of seconds earlier, then it is an issue.”
Dawson questioned that to the referee on the panel, asking: “Is it? Hey, wasn’t an issue when Darren Bent scored against Liverpool. What would’ve happened, Mike?”
Mike Dean said: “Unfortunately, if it hits the ball when it goes in, they would have had to stop the game.”
Dawson thought Leeds got lucky with it, adding: “Si, it was so close.”
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Noah Okafor scores landmark Leeds goal
Okafor has been rubbing shoulders with Kylian Mbappe for his dribbles and direct carries of the ball, with Okafor setting records for his dribbles.
Okafor broke another record against Tottenham by scoring Leeds’ 800th Premier League goal in their history. This is their 16th season at the level, not including the numerous top flight seasons prior to 1992.
At their current rate, Leeds score around 53 goals per season in the Premier League on average. They will need more like that from Okafor to maintain such a record.
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