Tottenham Hotspur could only muster a 1-1 draw at home against Leeds United on Monday in a match from the 36th round of the English Premier League. The result keeps the London club’s fans in a state of anguish as the specter of relegation draws nearer. The team has now gone 156 days without a home victory.
With 38 points, Tottenham sits just two points above West Ham, who are currently in the relegation zone. Burnley and Wolverhampton have already been mathematically relegated. Three teams will drop to the second division. Leeds, with 44 points, occupy 14th place.
In the final two rounds of the Premier League, Tottenham will face Chelsea away before ending the season at home against Everton.
The match started under immense tension, as Tottenham had failed to win at their luxurious stadium for 156 days. Pushed by the home fans, the Spurs took the initiative but found a motivated Leeds side determined to stifle their attacks.
The first real chance came in the ninth minute when Richarlison was played through on goal but hesitated, thinking he was offside, and squandered the opportunity.
The incident sparked both teams into a higher tempo. In the 18th minute, Leeds forward Tel mishandled a clearance from Tottenham’s area, crossing the ball dangerously across his own defense.
Leeds grew in confidence and began pressing Tottenham’s buildup. In the 20th minute, defender Rodon headed wide, only denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Kinsky.
Tottenham responded by launching balls into the opposition’s box. In the 21st minute, Richarlison tried a quick shot but scuffed it. At 35 minutes, Palhinha fired over from close range.
The home side continued to press for an opener and looked deserving of a lead. In the 38th minute, Bentancur rose well but headed wide. Despite the intensity, only three fouls were recorded in the first half.
The second half remained fiercely contested, and Tottenham finally broke through in the fifth minute when Tel produced a fine strike from the edge of the area.
Tottenham grew in confidence and had chances to extend their lead. Richarlison missed a great opportunity inside the box. However, they were punished in the 35th minute when Tel conceded a “silly” penalty by catching Ampadu in the head with a high boot. Calvert-Lewin stepped up and slotted home: 1-1.
The equalizer deflated Tottenham, and Leeds took control, even threatening to turn the match around. The London fans endured agony through 13 minutes of stoppage time, including a shot hitting the post. In the closing stages, Tottenham threw everything forward but could not find a winner.
