A missed opportunity for Tottenham Hotspur to secure a major step toward Premier League survival, or just another point in the relegation battle? The visit of Leeds United to north London gave Roberto De Zerbi’s side a chance to move four points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United with two games left, leaving their rivals facing an uphill fight.
They seemed on track when Mathys Tel’s fine strike put them ahead early in the second half. But he then turned villain, his high boot catching Ethan Ampadu and conceding a penalty, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted after VAR intervention. Tottenham’s goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky made a superb stoppage-time save to deny Sean Longstaff, preventing further damage. The draw leaves Spurs two points above West Ham with two games remaining, still fighting for survival.
Tel’s night summed up the team’s inconsistency. He could have been the hero, but a bizarre decision in the second half cost them a much-needed home win. Defending their own box, the ball looped up and Tel attempted an unorthodox overhead kick, missing the ball and connecting with Ampadu’s head instead. Earlier, he had been erratic—forcing a risky pass across his own area in the 20th minute, which Kevin Danso just managed to clear, then losing possession carelessly moments later, drawing groans from the home fans.
Those groans turned to cheers at the start of the second half when Tel curled a right-footed shot into the top corner from the edge of the box, reminiscent of Xavi Simons’ stunning effort in last month’s 2-2 draw with Brighton. But as then, the goal was canceled out by a penalty. Tel’s progress since joining Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich in February 2025 has been uneven, but at 21, he still has time to learn from this painful lesson.
Tottenham’s inability to win at home remains a major problem. They have the joint-worst home record in the Premier League alongside Burnley (12 points), and they have conceded the most goals at their own stadium. Their last home win came on December 6—a 2-0 victory over Brentford—and they have come close since, including last month’s agonizing draw with Brighton. Leeds deserved a point here, but Spurs let the game slip away again.
The draw also has implications for West Ham, who lost dramatically to Arsenal. Tottenham’s failure to capitalize keeps the relegation race tight. With two matches remaining, every point matters, and Spurs must address their home struggles to avoid a final-day drama.
