Leeds beat Tottenham 1-0 despite VAR handball controversy

Summarised from 3 outlets · 13 reports · Updated 7 Nov, 15:06 · Archive

Noah Okafor's second-half goal gave Leeds United a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, ending a five-match winless run.

Leeds United secured a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road, with Noah Okafor scoring the decisive goal in the 79th minute. The win ended a difficult five-match winless run for the hosts and took them to 14 points after ten games.

The match was dominated early by a controversial decision involving a handball appeal in the first few minutes. Mateus Fernandes appeared to divert a cross from Gabriel Gudmundsson with his upper arm inside the penalty area. Dominic Calvert-Lewin appealed for a penalty with both arms raised, but referee John Brooks allowed play to continue. Video assistant referee Tony Harrington checked the incident and deemed it to have hit the top of Fernandes' arm rather than constituting a handball offence.

Leeds fans and commentators were sharply divided on the decision. Steven Gerrard remarked on TNT Sports that 'in slow motion it doesn't look good for him' and that 'he's got away with one'. Co-commentator Lucy Ward agreed it was 'extremely close', noting that Fernandes had 'his arm right out in an area'. However, former Leeds and Spurs midfielder Michael Brown thought Brooks' decision was correct.

The first half was otherwise lacking in clear chances. Jayden Bogle escaped a potential red card after treading on the ankle of Mathys Tel, with VAR judging there to be no intent or malice.

Leeds improved considerably after the break. Nico Elvedi headed narrowly wide from two yards out early in the second half, whilst Ao Tanaka shot over the bar from 15 yards. Okafor finally broke through after a double substitution by manager Daniel Farke, latching onto a layoff from Harry Wilson and firing past goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

The victory represented a significant turnaround for Leeds, who had scored just twice in their previous five matches. Tottenham, meanwhile, arrived having won three straight matches before this defeat.

How it is being reported

• Nico Elvedi's unheralded impact as Leeds United defy stats with key win over TottenhamLeeds United returned to winning ways with a victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road. Here's everything you need to knowLeedsLive · 7 Nov, 15:03
• Lee Sobot's Leeds United player ratings v Tottenham as star trio and impact subs all score 8/10, frustrating 5Leeds United player ratings versus Tottenham Hotspur.Yorkshire Evening Post · 7 Nov, 14:53
• Leeds United player ratings vs Tottenham as Tanaka and Bard great after Okafor wins itRead how Leeds United's players rated against Tottenham in this afternoon's Premier League clashLeedsLive · 7 Nov, 14:36
• Leeds United 1 Tottenham 0: Second-half Noah Okafor strike ends 21-game run in brilliant winNoah Okafor’s second-half strike earned Leeds United a brilliant win at Elland Road.Yorkshire Evening Post · 7 Nov, 14:30
• Leeds United player ratings: 'Masterful', 'leader of pack' - Some key high marks versus SpursHERE are the Leeds United player ratings from Saturday lunch-time’s Premier League home game against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.Yorkshire Post · 7 Nov, 14:26
• Premier League release statement on controversial Leeds United vs Tottenham decisionLeeds United had early claims for a penalty waved away on Saturday.Yorkshire Evening Post · 7 Nov, 13:32
• Leeds United fans livid as VAR denies 'stonewall penalty' for 'clear handball' vs TottenhamLeeds United were denied a penalty against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland RoadLeedsLive · 7 Nov, 13:00
• Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur live goals and updates from Elland RoadFollow how Leeds United get on against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in our live match blogLeedsLive · 7 Nov, 11:29
• Leeds United team news confirmed vs Tottenham with double injury boost as Lukas Nmecha startsLeeds United face Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road this afternoon.Yorkshire Evening Post · 7 Nov, 11:18
• Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur live goals and updates from Elland RoadFollow how Leeds United get on against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in our live match blogLeedsLive · 7 Nov, 10:43
• Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Early team news, predicted line-up, TV detailsEarly team news as Leeds United take on Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in their final Premier League game before the November international break.Yorkshire Evening Post · 7 Nov, 08:30
• Is Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur on TV? Coverage details and kick-off time at Elland RoadCoverage details as Leeds United take on Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in their final Premier League game before the November international break.Yorkshire Evening Post · 7 Nov, 07:00
• Leeds United & Tottenham final injury news as updates leave 6 out and 3 doubts but star now backThe final injury news for Leeds United’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.Yorkshire Evening Post · 6 Nov, 19:01

In this story: Leeds United · Tottenham Hotspur · Noah Okafor · Mateus Fernandes · Elland Road

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log