This was Leeds’ first game of 2021 and the last of a busy festive period for all teams, Leeds had won their last 2 games so could they make it 3 out of 3?
It would be a tough assignment against Tottenham, even though Tottenham had only won one of their last 5 games before this one.
It was played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Reference for picture: https://www.techradar.com/au/news/tottenham-hotspurs-new-stadium-is-the-most-tech-friendly-yet
After 4 minutes, Son got the ball just to the right of the box, but he was crowded out. At the other end, Alioski got forward for Leeds and was played in by a flowing move, but he shot into the side netting.
Four minutes later, Harrison whipped a cross in towards the far post, which was only just over Raphinha’s head.
Two minutes later, Alioski slipped the ball through to Harrison but his cross was blocked, the ball fell to Klich but he shot over the bar.
After 17 minutes, Son’s heavy touch on the left teed Kane up, but he blasted over from a tight angle.
Five minutes later, Raphinha did a brilliant cross from the right, Bamford met it but it was a little bit high for him and he headed over the bar.
After 27 minutes, Meslier kicked straight to Winks who played Bergwijn on the edge of area which caught Alioski out who went into the back of him. VAR checked it and agreed and the penalty was awarded. Kane converted the penalty down the middle, and he’s now scored against all 30 Premier League teams he’s faced.
Just after the half hour mark, Son’s freekick was kept alive by Hojbjerg who found Alderweireld whose shot was blocked, then Kane finessed the rebound wide from a tight angle.
After 36 minutes, Dallas’ poor header gave Davies a chance to attack and his low cross found Bergwijn who turned Alioski but lashed over.
Two minutes later, Alioski’s low cross caught Dier on his heels behind Bamford but Dier did enough to block it.
After 42 minutes, a Leeds move ended with Harrison dinking a left footed curler over Lloris, but onto the top of the bar as well.
A minute later, Kane strode away from Phillips and into the right touchline , looked up and spotted Son’s run in between the 2 Leeds centre backs, Kane put a stunning low cross in from deep which was inch perfect to meet Son who slotted it past Mesier at the near post, to score his 100th Spurs goal.
The last action before halftime was another Spurs chance for Ndombele who rode three challenges inside the Leeds box before finding Davies who lashed wide.
Halftime score: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Leeds United
So a first half with plenty of chances for both teams, Spurs more clinical than Leeds and could have added a third before halftime, what would the 2nd half bring?
After 49 minutes, Ndombele cannoned a rocket of a shot from edge of area, which nearly went right through Meslier, who juggled it wide for a corner.
From that corner, Alderweireld flicked header goalwards which went over the line to put Spurs in command.
After 53 minutes, Kane’s left footed shot went into the side netting.
After 58 minutes, Harrison almost got away twice, but Spurs defenders saw him off.
Just after the hour mark, Son found Bergwijn with a great pass and his first touch took the ball away from the defender, and Meslier made great save.
After 66 minutes, Leeds lost the ball again and Kane from a near impossible angle rattled a shot which Meslier saved.
With twenty minutes remaining, Dallas and Poveda got into a dangerous area, but the cross was cut out.
After 73 minutes, Kane tried an audacious effort as he shot from inside his own half , driving the ball beautifully but it ended up 2 yards over the bar.
The last meaningful action wasn’t really too meaningful as the game was won, but Doherty did a late tackle on Hernandez and he got sent off.
Fulltime score: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Leeds United
So a disappointing afternoon for Leeds, but perhaps not too surprising given they were playing a top team. They ended the weekend in 12th place after the other results on 23 points still 12 points above the bottom three.
Highlights of this game are below:
Next up for Leeds is an away trip to Crawley Town in the FA Cup 3rd Round on Sunday 10th January live on BBC One with a 1:30pm kickoff.
