De Zerbi criticises Tottenham's second-half display after Leeds defeat

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 7 Nov, 16:24 · Archive

Tottenham lost 1-0 to Leeds at Elland Road, with Noah Okafor scoring in the closing stages as Spurs' attacking play faltered.

Tottenham travelled to Elland Road looking to make it four consecutive wins for the first time in over 1,000 days, but their winning streak ended in a 1-0 defeat. Substitute Noah Okafor scored with just over ten minutes remaining to seal the points for Leeds.

Spurs competed well in the first half and were aggrieved not to receive a man advantage after Jayden Bogle escaped punishment for a challenge on Mathys Tel. However, they offered little threat in attack throughout the match and failed to trouble Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford with any meaningful chances.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi was critical of his side's display, particularly in the second half. He said: 'In the second half, I don't know why, we suffered too much and deserved to lose. We won no duels, no one-to-ones.' De Zerbi added that his players did not show the required character, personality and courage, though he acknowledged they had the ability and physicality to perform better. He described the performance as part of their journey and emphasised the need for honest analysis to improve.

De Zerbi also addressed the absence of midfielder James Maddison, who was named in the matchday squad but remained unused. De Zerbi said he considered bringing Maddison on in the closing stages but chose instead to introduce 18-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett for his second senior appearance, noting that Maddison had only completed partial training sessions.

How it is being reported

• De Zerbi focuses on Spurs' failings - but should Bogle have seen red?It was somewhat surprising to see Roberto de Zerbi take a more peaceful approach when he faced the media at Elland Road after Tottenham's 1-0 defeat by Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.BBC News · 7 Nov, 16:35
• Roberto De Zerbi issues James Maddison injury update surprising Tottenham no-showInfluential midfielder has twice been overlooked despite his manager insisting he is fitEvening Standard · 7 Nov, 16:06
• Roberto De Zerbi questions Tottenham's character and demands 'honest' Leeds debrief after wilting at Elland Road: 'We won no duels, no one-to-ones, we deserved to lose'Roberto De Zerbi questioned Tottenham's character after his side's second-half surrender saw them slip to defeat at Leeds.Daily Mail Sport · 7 Nov, 16:04
• Roberto De Zerbi explains the simple reason Tottenham lost to LeedsSpurs’ winning run ended at Elland RoadEvening Standard · 7 Nov, 15:38
• Roberto De Zerbi knows Tottenham's biggest issue and has the blueprint to fix itLast international break kick-started Spurs’ season, and the manager will look for a similar boost this time aroundEvening Standard · 7 Nov, 15:31

In this story: Tottenham · Leeds · Noah Okafor · Roberto De Zerbi · James Maddison · Elland Road

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