Okafor snatches Leeds win over Spurs as De Zerbi fumes at red card controversy

Noah Okafor needed just 97 seconds after coming off the bench to settle a fiercely contested Premier League clash, as Leeds beat Tottenham 1-0 at Elland Road and extended their unbeaten home run to 23 games stretching back to March.

The result left Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi incensed, having already stormed down the tunnel at half-time following a VAR review that took four minutes to clear Leeds defender Jayden Bogle of any punishment for a challenge that forced Mathys Tel to limp out of the game. Bogle appeared to stand on the Achilles of the Spurs winger, yet escaped without even a booking — a decision De Zerbi could not hide his contempt for throughout the afternoon.

Tottenham had arrived in Yorkshire in good form, having won three consecutive matches to climb into the top half of the table, in the process overtaking a Leeds side that had gone five league games without a win. Daniel Farke’s men, however, showed little sign of that recent wobble at home.

Leeds were the sharper side from the first whistle. Mateus Fernandes was fortunate not to concede a penalty inside five minutes after appearing to handle a cross, with VAR again intervening to spare Spurs. Ao Tanaka blazed wide moments later, and Ethan Ampadu also sliced an effort off target as Leeds pressed for an early breakthrough.

Spurs offered occasional glimpses going forward — Mathys Tel’s pace created a chance for Omar Marmoush, who shot straight at James Trafford, and Mohammed Kudus also tested the Leeds goalkeeper — but quality was scarce from both sides in a scrappy first half.

De Zerbi’s frustration boiled over further in the second period when he was booked himself after objecting to a yellow card shown to Pedro Porro. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came close to breaking the deadlock, setting up Tanaka, who ballooned his effort over the bar from a promising position.

Okafor ultimately settled the matter, converting shortly after his introduction in the final ten minutes to give Leeds all three points and leave De Zerbi with plenty to say in the post-match.