Spurs move two points clear after tense relegation battle ends level in London
LONDON
Tottenham Hotspur secured a potentially decisive point in their battle to avoid relegation after battling to a 1-1 draw against Leeds United in the Premier League.
The result lifted Spurs two points above relegation rivals West Ham United with only two matches remaining in the season. One of the two clubs will join already relegated Burnley FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers in next season’s Championship.
Tottenham entered the game with confidence following consecutive victories and dominated much of the opening half through possession and attacking pressure. However, they struggled to convert their opportunities before finally taking the lead early in the second half.
In the 50th minute, a cleared corner from Pedro Porro fell kindly to Mathys Tel, who unleashed a superb strike from 20 meters into the far corner. It was Tel’s first goal since January 7 and appeared set to hand Spurs a crucial victory.
But the momentum shifted with 15 minutes remaining when Tel’s raised foot caught Ethan Ampadu inside the penalty area. After awarding the spot kick, the referee allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to equalise calmly from the penalty spot.
Leeds had earlier been denied another penalty after a VAR review in the first half, adding to the tension in an increasingly physical encounter.
The final stages saw both teams defend nervously through an extraordinary 15 minutes of stoppage time, but neither side managed to find a winning goal.
Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi admitted the pressure of the relegation fight affected his players.
“We played a good game but there was big pressure. We didn’t play calmly,” De Zerbi said after the match.
Spurs now face difficult fixtures against Chelsea FC and Everton FC, while West Ham travel to Newcastle United before hosting Leeds on the final day.
Elsewhere, Hull City AFC defeated Millwall FC 2-0 to book a place in the Championship playoff final at Wembley later this month.
