Okafor strikes late as Leeds beat Spurs at Elland Road
Noah Okafor scored two minutes after coming on to give Leeds United a late win over Tottenham, with Jan Paul van Hecke rated Spurs' best performer in defeat.
Leeds United ended Tottenham's mini-revival with a late goal from substitute Noah Okafor at Elland Road. Okafor, introduced in the 77th minute for Lukas Nmecha, finished cleanly two minutes after entering the pitch, and the player ratings described it as an inspirational substitution by Daniel Farke.
Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu was rated 7 for keeping midfield ticking over, while Gabriel Gudmundsson also earned a 7 for a lively first half before coming off at the break. James Trafford recorded a vital late save from Jan Paul van Hecke, and Nico Elvedi was noted for winning his physical battle with Omar Marmoush. Jayden Bogle was judged fortunate to avoid a red card for a late challenge on Mathys Tel.
For Spurs, Van Hecke was rated 7, described as powerful in the air and composed on the ball, and he almost rescued a point at the end. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky also received a 7 for safe handling and an excellent save from Sean Longstaff, though he had an anxious moment when a corner was awarded after he took too long over a goal-kick.
Tottenham's midfield drew criticism, with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes both rated 5 for offering little influence. Omar Marmoush was also rated 5, lacking physical presence against Leeds' defenders, while Mathys Tel could not continue after Bogle's poor first-half challenge.
The ratings are one observer's assessments rather than verified performance data, and supporters were invited to score the players themselves. Leeds' substitutes made the difference: Melvin Bard contributed some fine forward passes, while Okafor's finish settled the contest.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
