Leeds beat Tottenham 1-0 at Elland Road through Noah Okafor’s late winner, but the result was overshadowed by Jayden Bogle’s controversial escape from a first-half red card.
Bogle caught Mathys Tel on the Achilles with a challenge in the 34th minute. Referee John Brooks showed no card, and a four-minute VAR review ended without recommending an on-field review.
The incident was judged to be reckless rather than serious foul play, although Tel was unable to continue and was substituted before half-time.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean said the tackle was “100 per cent a red”, with Tottenham’s frustration heightened by the similarity to the challenge that saw Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta dismissed against Spurs the previous week.
Okafor settles tight contest for Leeds
Leeds made the most of the reprieve and secured their first victory in six matches when Okafor scored in the 79th minute, just 97 seconds after coming on. The substitute combined with fellow replacement Harry Wilson before breaking the deadlock.
Tottenham had offered little attacking threat for much of the contest. Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford produced a stoppage-time save to keep out Jan Paul van Hecke’s header, while Antonin Kinsky had earlier denied Sean Longstaff.
Leeds had also seen an early penalty appeal rejected after Mateus Fernandes handled with his arm outstretched, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ao Tanaka went close after the interval.
The victory lifts Leeds above Tottenham into eighth place and leaves Roberto De Zerbi’s side 10th, ending Spurs’ three-match winning run and tempering hopes that their form had begun to improve.
Former Tottenham captain Michael Dawson described the visitors as “poor” during the match.
