Tottenham missed a chance to take a crucial step toward Premier League survival, settling for a 1-1 draw with Leeds on Monday in the final match of the 36th round.
With just two games left, Tottenham (17th) sit on 38 points, six ahead of their opponent Leeds—who secured safety in the previous round—but remain within reach of London rivals West Ham United (18th), the first team in the relegation zone with 36 points.
This anxious encounter for Spurs was far from a footballing spectacle, partly due to Leeds’ lack of ambition but also because of Roberto De Zerbi’s men struggling with poor final touches.
Tottenham were the more lively side in the first half, creating a series of dangerous chances on the opponent’s goal. Their persistence paid off early in the second half when Mathis Tel curled a superb shot into the top corner (50′).
However, as has been the case in this late-season stretch, Spurs saw their lead erased in a clumsy moment: attempting a bicycle kick, Mathis Tel caught Ethan Ampadu in the box as the Leeds player charged in, resulting in a penalty confirmed by VAR and converted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin (74′).
In a frantic finish, Tottenham—despite the mobility of French forward Kolo Muani—could not find a winner that would have given them breathing room.
Since Roberto De Zerbi, the former Marseille coach, was appointed in late March, Tottenham have lost only once (against Sunderland), with wins over Wolverhampton and Aston Villa, and draws against Brighton and Leeds.
Player of the Match (Flashscore): Kinsky (Tottenham).