Leeds 1-2 Tottenham: Player ratings as match-winner Kudus shines

A second-half Mohammed Kudus strike proved to be the difference on Saturday afternoon, as Tottenham ground out a 2-1 victory away at Leeds United.

Chasing their first win before an international break in about 27 years, Tottenham knew they were going to have to suffer for periods on a blustery and wet Yorkshire day at Elland Road.

Leeds' bright start was tamed by the visitors, who eventually got their foot on the ball and had some joy progressing upfield with little help of their midfield pivot. Xavi Simons floated around with intent, while Destiny Udogie posed a threat when he advanced.

The first goal arrived through Mathys Tel's opening touches of the bout, as a swift transition was rounded off by the young Frenchman, who was in for Richarlison up top, via a decisive deflection.

Rodrigo Bentancur tried to gift Leeds an immediate equaliser by turning blind on the edge of the box, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin's effort was wild. Fortunately for the hosts, Mohammed Kudus boasted similar composure when presented with a gilt-edge chance following some good work from Wilson Odobert and Udogie.

Spurs seemingly had control of a bitty affair, but a tidy Leeds sequence, somewhat out of the blue, led to their equaliser, and Thomas Frank's side subsequently did their best to rile up an already fervent Elland Road faithful by erroneously flying into challenges. Half-time was needed.

The easy-on-the-eye nature of the bout continue after the break, as Spurs produced some lovely attacking sequences bereft of an end product, while Guglielmo Vicario was on hand to superbly deny Calvert-Lewin.

That would prove to be the goalkeeper's last notable action until stoppage time, as the visitors kept the hosts at bay after Mohammed Kudus restored Spurs' advantage with another deflected effort.

There was a storm to weather late, with the visitors sinking and accepting that they would have to defend their box stoutly to earn the victory. Leeds knocked with multiple set-pieces, but Spurs held on for what felt like a huge three points. Up to second we go. Enjoy the internationals, folks!

Leeds 1-2 Tottenham player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Guglielmo Vicario (GK) – 6.5/10 - Not great for the Leeds goal, but redeemed himself with those two second-half saves, which ensured we walked away with three points.

Pedro Porro (RB) – 7.5/10 - Survived a vape attack late on to take an horrendous corner, but he was awarded an assist by the FPL with his clip for Kudus, so there are plenty of satisfied managers (including me). Could've done more with a couple of attacking 'moments', but he held up well defensively.

Cristian Romero (CB) – 8/10 - Oh, Cuti. Just keep playing those passes through the lines for me, boy. The two fellas in front of you won't. These are the sorts of performances we've grown accustomed to seeing.

Micky van de Ven (CB) – 7/10 - Felt like he wasn't overly active here, but was always on hand to deal with the threat when Leeds tested the channels.

Destiny Udogie (LB) – 8.5/10 - Really good. Ventured forward with success and thought he was superb defensively. Matched Leeds physically. Has things to work on in the final third.

Midfielders

João Palhinha (DM) – 6.5/10 - Conservative in possession and booked at a time when he didn't need to be, but Palhinha was crucial in ensuring we weren't physically overwhelmed in the middle of the park.

Rodrigo Bentancur (DM) – 5.5/10 - Mopped up the loose ball effectively and had a hand in the opening goal. However, his work with the ball was so far too safe. There were times when Spurs could've easily got out had he offered a braver angle behind Leeds' first pressing line.

Xavi Simons (AM) – 7.5/10 - This was an improved performance with the ball, and Xavi was key to it. This is a proper No. 10. Embrace the ideas that don't come off, because we saw today how his ingenuity can unlock this team.

Forwards

Mohammed Kudus (RW) – 9/10 - Just give him the ball and Kudus will make things happen. While there was a collective improvement from Spurs today, the Ghanaian's individual quality proved to be the difference. He was superb.

Mathys Tel (ST) – 7.5/10 - Encouraging. Tel was rewarded for taking his shot early with the opening goal sequence, and later hit the bar with a good headed effort. Wasn't easy against two big centre-halves, but the 20-year-old Frenchman gave as good as he got.

Wilson Odobert (LW) – 7/10 - The tricky winger combined nicely with Xavi and Udogie. His ball retention came to the fore here, but he still lacks a ruthless edge.

Substitutes

• Richarlison - 5/10
• Pape Matar Sarr - 6/10
• Kevin Danso - 6.5/10
• Brennan Johnson - 5/10

Player of the match: Mohammed Kudus