Mathys Tel goes from hero to zero as Tottenham drop crucial points in relegation battle.
Tottenham were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Leeds United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday, leaving the relegation battle uncomfortably unresolved with two games remaining. Mathys Tel’s stunning opener had the ground dreaming, but a Tel-conceded penalty allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to equalise and deny Spurs the win that would have effectively secured their Premier League survival. Tottenham remain two points above the drop zone, and the tension shows no signs of easing.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
Antonin Kinsky (8/10): Another composed and authoritative display that continues to suggest a goalkeeper who has fully rediscovered his confidence after the Atletico nightmare. Made the saves required when called upon and contributed cleanly to build-up play throughout. His development under De Zerbi has been one of the more remarkable individual stories of this chaotic season. Made a staggering save in the stoppage time that eventually hit the bar and prevented Leeds going 2-1 up.
Pedro Porro (8/10): Absolutely outstanding. Was the heartbeat of everything Tottenham did going forward and was close to flawless defensively. Created chances, drove forward repeatedly and won a remarkable number of defensive duels throughout the 90 minutes. On a night when results did not go entirely to plan, Porro’s individual performance was a beacon of quality and commitment that deserved considerably more reward.
Kevin Danso (5/10): A solid enough display without ever truly imposing himself on proceedings in the way that his Villa Park performance suggested he was capable of. Dealt adequately with Leeds’ attacking threat but lacked the commanding authority that De Zerbi will want from him consistently.
Micky van de Ven (5/10): Continues to show glimpses of his best form without yet recapturing the consistent level that made him one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded defenders before this catastrophic season took hold. Did his job competently without producing anything that would trouble the memory.
Destiny Udogie (6/10): Contributed reliably on the left and fulfilled his defensive duties without any significant error. A dependable rather than spectacular display that reflected the collective approach De Zerbi has been building.
Joao Palhinha (6/10): Provided the defensive platform that allowed those around him to express themselves. Disciplined and purposeful in his positioning, he did the unglamorous work that makes the team function without drawing attention to himself in either direction. Also was offensively good when needed.
Rodrigo Bentancur (7/10): Brought his now customary composure and defensive intelligence to the midfield, continuing the impressive form that has made his return from injury such a pivotal moment in Tottenham’s survival push. Replaced by Bergvall in the 81st minute having given a typically assured performance.
Conor Gallagher (6/10): Worked hard and pressed with the intensity De Zerbi demands, contributing both defensively and in possession. Not at the level of his Villa Park masterclass, but a respectable and committed display from a player who is clearly growing in confidence with each passing week.
Randal Kolo Muani (5/10): Worked tirelessly as he invariably does but was unable to make the decisive contribution the game demanded. Gave everything in the selfless manner that has characterised his performances all season without finding the moment that could have made the difference.
Mathys Tel (6/10): The most painful individual performance of the evening. His stunning opener sent the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into raptures and represented his first goal since January, a moment of genuine quality that briefly made the three points feel inevitable. What followed undid everything. Catching Ethan Ampadu with a high boot inside the box conceded the penalty that allowed Leeds back into the game, turning a potential hero into the villain of the piece in the most dramatic and deflating fashion. Replaced by Maddison in the 85th minute.
Richarlison (5/10): Brought his usual energy and pressing but was unable to find the decisive moment despite working hard throughout the 90 minutes. A performance that reflected effort and commitment without the end product that would have made the difference.
Substitutes
Lucas Bergvall (5/10): Introduced in the 81st minute and showed his usual composure and intelligent movement, but had insufficient time to change a result that had already been determined by Tel’s penalty concession.
James Maddison (5/10): Made his long-awaited return from his ACL injury as a late substitute in the 85th minute, a moment that will have generated enormous emotion among supporters regardless of the circumstances. Too little time to influence proceedings but his return is the most significant boost Tottenham have received in months. Looked like he had won a penalty in the very last minute of the game, only to be checked and not given.
Djed Spence (5/10): Came on in the 85th minute with the game already settled and insufficient time to make any meaningful contribution.