Okafor’s late goal lifts Leeds past Tottenham in Premier League

Noah Okafor’s 79th-minute strike gave Leeds United a 1-0 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road, ending Daniel Farke’s side’s five-match winless run and moving them above Spurs into eighth place.

Leeds began with greater attacking intent. Gabriel Gudmundsson appealed for a penalty when his cross appeared to hit Mateus Fernandes on the arm, but the referee waved away the claims. Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu then went close as the hosts applied early pressure.

Tottenham gradually found their rhythm, forcing James Trafford into action. The Leeds goalkeeper kept out a deflected effort from Omar Marmoush before denying Mohammed Kudus.

The first half was overshadowed by a challenge from Jayden Bogle on Mathys Tel. Bogle caught the Tottenham forward with a dangerous studs-up tackle, but a lengthy VAR review did not result in a red card.

Tottenham were further frustrated when Tel was unable to continue and was replaced by Dominic Solanke. Leeds nearly capitalised on the disruption before the break, but Antonin Kinsky saved Luis Nmecha’s header.

The hosts continued to threaten after half-time. Micky van de Ven made an important intervention to stop Bogle’s delivery from reaching Calvert-Lewin, while Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi became increasingly unhappy with the officials.

Pedro Porro was booked for a challenge on Nmecha, prompting De Zerbi to protest that the decision was harsh in comparison with the earlier incident involving Tel. The Tottenham coach was also shown a yellow card.

Leeds missed further chances to take control. Calvert-Lewin was played through by Sean Longstaff but could not finish, while Tanaka fired over the crossbar.

Tottenham almost made Leeds pay when substitute Conor Gallagher sent a long-range effort narrowly wide. However, Kinsky was then forced into an excellent save to tip Longstaff’s powerful shot over the bar as the pressure on the visitors grew.

Leeds finally found the breakthrough in the 79th minute after Tottenham failed to deal with a long throw into the penalty area. Okafor collected the loose ball, drove forward and calmly finished beyond Kinsky.

Tottenham struggled to create a response during the closing stages, although Trafford had to make another important save to keep out a header from Jan Paul van Hecke.

The defeat extended Tottenham’s record to 50 consecutive matches without a win in all competitions when conceding first. That run now consists of 12 draws and 38 defeats.