Premier League: Tottenham held by Leeds as relegation battle takes another twist

Tottenham Hotspur missed a major opportunity to move further clear of the Premier League relegation zone after conceding a late penalty in a 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Monday night.

Spurs looked set to claim a third consecutive league victory after Mathys Tel’s stunning second-half strike handed the hosts the lead in North London.

However, a costly mistake from the French forward later allowed Leeds back into the contest as both sides settled for a point in a tense survival battle.

The result leaves Tottenham just two points above 18th-placed West Ham with only two matches remaining this season.

Tel shines before costly mistake

After a cagey opening period, Tottenham found the breakthrough five minutes into the second half when Tel curled a brilliant effort into the top corner from outside the penalty area.

The goal lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium as Spurs attempted to build on recent victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

Richarlison nearly doubled Tottenham’s advantage moments later but fired over the crossbar from close range, a miss that proved significant as Leeds gradually regained confidence.

With 16 minutes remaining, Tel’s night took a dramatic turn when he attempted a bicycle kick inside his own penalty area and accidentally caught Ethan Ampadu in the head.

Following a VAR review, the referee awarded Leeds a penalty, allowing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to convert calmly and bring the visitors level.

Spurs survive late Leeds pressure

The equaliser shifted momentum completely in Leeds’ favour as Tottenham struggled to regain control during a nervy closing period.

Despite 13 minutes of added time, Spurs failed to create another clear opportunity while Leeds pushed aggressively for a winner.

Leeds almost completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time when Sean Longstaff’s powerful strike forced Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky into a crucial save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar.

The final whistle confirmed a damaging result for Tottenham, whose hopes of securing Premier League safety remain uncertain heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

Leeds, meanwhile, earned a valuable away point that keeps pressure on the teams above them as the relegation fight continues.