Sandro Tonali has been frank about Tottenham’s display in their 1-0 loss at Leeds United’s Elland Road, a result that ended a four-game winning run in the Premier League.
Spurs arrived in good spirits. Roberto De Zerbi’s side had been improving, and they wanted to stretch the streak before the international break. Daniel Farke’s Leeds were far more determined, though, and Tottenham never imposed themselves, especially after half-time, when the hosts created the better chances and kept up the pressure.
Substitute Noah Okafor scored the winner in the 79th minute. The defeat also highlighted Spurs’ problems in front of goal, as they have now failed to score in five of their ten league games this season.
Tonali, who started in midfield alongside Mateus Fernandes and Archie Gray, accepted that the team wasn’t good enough. Spurs had decent possession in the first half but lacked the creativity to break down Leeds. He said the squad had prepared hard all week and knew what to expect, yet they played too slowly, gave the ball away too often and allowed chances.
He called it a big step down from the previous four matches and praised Leeds’ aggressive pressing. Against opponents who press that hard, he said, Spurs need more confidence and personality on the ball.
The Italian singled out the middle ten minutes of the second half as the toughest spell. Leeds’ press overwhelmed them, chances came at the other end and Spurs created almost nothing. He wasn’t sure whether tiredness, Leeds’ quality or the contrast with their recent form was to blame.
De Zerbi stayed calm and called games like this valuable lessons for a team still building its identity. Tonali, 26, agreed, said improvements are needed everywhere, with and without the ball, and plans to rewatch the match to see where it went wrong.
The international break gives Spurs time to reflect and fix their weaknesses. The priority is making sure this loss doesn’t undo the progress of recent weeks.
