Spurs Settle for Draw Against Leeds After Late Penalty Drama
Tottenham Hotspur missed a chance to extend their lead above the drop zone, settling for a 1-1 draw with Leeds United in North London on Monday evening.
After Arsenal’s controversial win over West Ham on Sunday, Tottenham could have moved four points clear of relegation with a victory. The home side seemed on their way to securing the win when Mathys Tel scored in the 50th minute.
Following a Spurs corner, the ball fell to Tel on the edge of the Leeds box. The striker executed a brilliant first touch before bending a powerful shot into the far top corner. Despite Karl Darlow getting his fingertips to the ball, it found the back of the net.
However, Tel’s moment of brilliance turned to misfortune just 20 minutes later. Attempting an acrobatic overhead clearance inside his own box, he unintentionally kicked Ethan Ampadu in the head. After a VAR check, referee Jarred Gillett awarded a penalty. Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted the spot-kick, leveling the score at 1-1, which remained unchanged at full-time.
Roberto De Zerbi Addresses Mathys Tel’s Apology After Penalty Incident
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi commented on Tel’s reaction after the match. He stated that he supported the young forward and noted that Tel had apologized to his teammates in the dressing room for his error that led to Leeds’ equalizer.
“[I gave him] a big hug and a big kiss,” De Zerbi shared during a press conference (h/t BBC Sport).
“He [Tel] doesn’t need too many words. He was sorry for the mistake, and it can happen to a young player.
“He is very young, and it is not a problem for me. I am happy with the attitude and mentality.”