Tottenham Hotspur Vs Leeds United [1–1] – Premier League 2025/2026: A Point Earned, But Problems Remain For Spurs – Tactical Analysis

Tottenham Hotspur hosted Leeds United in Gameweek 36 of the 2025/2026 edition of the Premier League.

The contest ended in a 1-1 draw; Spurs, who are on a quest to escape relegation, broke the deadlock in the 50^th minute.

Leeds, who had already sealed their place in the English top flight for next season, equalised with a penalty after 74 minutes.

With West Ham United losing to Arsenal, Spurs stay just out of the relegation zone for now.

In this tactical analysis, we will discuss Tottenham Hotspur’s style of play, their opportunities, and their weaknesses against Leeds United.

Tottenham Hotspur Vs Leeds United Lineups & Formations

First, let's look at how Roberto De Zerbi and Daniel Farke fielded their squads.

Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Leeds United

Spurs played in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Antonín Kinský started in goal.

The back four were Pedro Porro (right-back), Kevin Danso (right centre-back), skipper Micky van de Ven (left centre-back), and Destiny Udogie (left-back).

The latter made way for Djed Spence (85’).

João Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur were the double pivot.

The latter came off for Lucas Bergvall (81’).

Randal Kolo Muani (right) and Mathys Tel (left) were the wingers, while Conor Gallagher was the attacking midfielder.

Tel was replaced by James Maddison (85’).

Richarlison was the lone striker.

Leeds United Lineup Vs Tottenham Hotspur

Leeds played in a 3-5-2 formation.

Karl Darlow started between the sticks.

The back three were Joe Rodon (right centre-back), Jaka Bijol (central centre-back), and Pascal Struijk (left centre-back).

The latter was taken off for Sebastiaan Bornauw (56’).

Skipper Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, and Ao Tanaka were the midfield three.

Tanaka was replaced by Sean Longstaff (90’ +3).

Daniel James (right) and James Justin (left) were the wing-backs.

The former made way for Wilfried Gnonto (63’).

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson were the front two.

Tottenham Hotspur Style Of Play

Spurs played out with a back three, which entailed one of the midfielders dropping in as a third centre-back in possession.

Although there were moments of all three taking turns in doing so, Palhinha was most frequently seen in a right centre-back position.

The Portuguese operated in the right half-space; his dropping deep helped Spurs with rest defence, and allowed Porro to push higher up the pitch.

Spurs mostly operated in variations of a 3-4-3 in possession.

Both full-backs inverted into the half-spaces, allowing the wingers to operate in the wide channel.

Upon attacking from the right side, there was often a triangle between the right-back, right-winger, and a midfielder.

Gallagher peels out of the structure to receive from Danso (RCB).

In this moment, a defender follows him, which opens space for Porro in the half-space between the lines.

The Englishman finds Kolo Muani, who plays a quick one-two to exploit the space in-behind.

Another version of penetration from the right was releasing the half-space runner.

Leeds’ LCB jumps into midfield; simultaneously, the LWB sticks tight to Kolo Muani.

This opens a massive gap in the half-space for Porro to run into.

Palhinha releases the ball from the wide channel for the Spaniard’s run.

On this particular occasion, Leeds end up recovering the ball.

Udogie operated similarly on the other side.

Palhinha peels out to join the backline, this time on the left.

This allows Udogie to invert, which opens a direct passing lane from Palhinha to Tel (LW).

Defensively, Spurs organised themselves in a box shape when pressing in the opponent's half.

This comprised Richarlison and Kolo Muani up front, with Gallagher and Bentancur right behind them.

Tel stayed behind, which was relevant as they attempted to always force Leeds to the same (Tel’s) side.

This was evident from the way the Spurs players adjusted their positions and movements whenever Leeds had a static start from the defensive third.

Kolo Muani curves his pressing run to force the goalkeeper to his right.

Richarlison, along with the Spurs midfielders, stays close to the central players, ready to jump once the ball moves to the wide channel.

The idea was to let Leeds progress down from the right side and then squeeze them wide.

Leeds have the ball in the mid-third; Gallagher presses the ball-carrier, forcing him to play the pass down the line.

Richarlison curves his pressing run to prevent the back-pass.

Tel jumps on the player receiving down the line; Palhinha stays in the vicinity to provide cover.

While defending in the mid-third and deeper, Spurs were seen in a 4-4-2 shape.

Gallagher stayed beside Richarlison to make a front two; meanwhile, the wingers dropped beside the double pivot.

However, this kept changing as the two wingers decided to step in various situations, which in turn changed the shape into a 4-2-4.

Tottenham Hotspur Strengths

The Spurs players demonstrated some effective off-the-ball movement to drag defenders and open passing lanes.

A few of these actions resulted in through passes for De Zerbi’s side.

Gallagher operates between the lines, pulling one of the Leeds centre-backs with his movement.

This opens space for Porro to release Richarlison.

It is also noteworthy that Kolo Muani staying wide pulls a defender as well.

The Brazilian makes a curved run to stay onside.

A similar instance, this time Kolo Muani making the run in-behind.

Spurs are in transition; a pass is played to Richarlison, who has dropped into the half-space, pulling a defender.

This opens space for Kolo Muani to run in-behind.

The Brazilian plays a weighted through pass to release the Frenchman.

The attack from the left side was of a different form, which involved fewer combinations and link-ups.

Tel made 19 carries, which was significant in terms of progressive play for Spurs.

Udogie’s involvement was more in terms of off-ball movement to drag defenders, which opened space for Tel to dribble into.