Tottenham stumble against Leeds Utd to reignite Premier League survival battle
Tottenham Hotspur’s failure to convert pressure into three points against Leeds United has reopened the Premier League survival race, handing West Ham renewed hope heading into a crucial end-of-season run-in.
A 1-1 draw on Monday leaves Spurs vulnerable near the bottom, with the Hammers now sitting just two points behind Roberto De Zerbi’s side ahead of their trip to Newcastle United.
Mathys Tel looked set to deliver a defining result for Tottenham when he curled in a superb strike five minutes into the second half.
But the momentum shifted in the final quarter after Tel brought down Ethan Ampadu in the box, allowing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to convert from the spot and rescue a point for Leeds.
The result secures Leeds’ Premier League status for next season, while Tottenham remain under mounting pressure with difficult fixtures still to come.
De Zerbi admits the occasion affected his side’s composure
"We played a good game, not great but there was big pressure,” the Spurs boss told Sky Sports. “We didn't play calm.
"We wanted to win immediately. In the end, I think we have to fight until the end of the season. Leeds played a good game.
"We hope they play like this against West Ham because it is right like this.
Tel - from scorer to culprit
Tel’s evening summed up Tottenham’s inconsistency, moving from match-winner to culprit within the space of half an hour after conceding the penalty that changed the outcome.
"I am sorry for the penalty we conceded because Mathys Tel scored a great goal,” De Zerbi said.
“He is very young and it is not a problem for me. I am happy for the attitude and mentality.
"We didn't play well but fighting relegation is like this, you cannot play all games calm.
“We have to improve and change the habits, fighting relegation is different to fighting for Champions League."
West Ham can now climb above Spurs with victory at St James’ Park on Sunday, a scenario that would increase the pressure on Tottenham before their upcoming trip to Chelsea on Tuesday, May 19.
READ NEXT: Champions League news: PSG eliminate Bayern Munich to set up final against Arsenal
