Tottenham Hotspur’s recent improvement came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, November 7.
Substitute Noah Okafor scored the winner in the 79th minute, just 97 seconds after coming off the bench. The Swiss forward finished low past Antonin Kinsky after combining with fellow substitute Harry Wilson.
Leeds United’s Swiss striker #19 Noah Okafor celebrates scoring the team’s first goal during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on November 7, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Leeds grew into the game after a cautious first half and created the better chances following the break. Sean Longstaff forced an excellent save from Kinsky in the 76th minute before Okafor found the breakthrough three minutes later.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 7: Harry Wilson of Leeds United celebrates with Noah Okafor of Leeds United at full time during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on November 7, 2026 in Leeds, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Tottenham pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way past Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford, who made a crucial late save to secure the victory.
The defeat extended Tottenham’s poor record when conceding first. They have now gone 39 Premier League games without a win after falling behind, drawing nine and losing 30. It is their longest such run in the competition.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Noah Okafor of Leeds United celebrates a goal to put Leeds United 1-0 up during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on November 07, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)
Roberto De Zerbi’s side had won their previous three league games but failed to maintain that momentum at Elland Road.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi reacts on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on November 7, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Black Stars forward Mohammed Kudus started for Tottenham and played 83 minutes before making way for teenager Luca Williams-Barnett.
Kudus was among Spurs’ more threatening players, particularly in the first half. He delivered a dangerous cross that Archie Gray narrowly failed to connect with and troubled Leeds left wing-back Gabi Gudmundsson with his attacking runs.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus (right) and Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture date: Saturday November 7, 2026. (Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Images via Getty Images)
His appearance will be encouraging for Ghana as the interim head coach, Lars Kim Björkegren, prepares to name his squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia on November 12 and 16 at the Essipong Sports Stadium.
