Tottenham Hotspur's winning run came to an end with a late defeat at Elland Road, as Leeds United substitute Noah Okafor punished a tepid attacking display from Roberto De Zerbi's side.
Despite failing to secure a third successive clean sheet, Spurs' defence handled Leeds' intensity well for large periods. It is the attack that will disappoint De Zerbi most, with his side failing to create any real chances of note, bar Jan Paul van Hecke's late header.
Leeds pressure pays off
Spurs were always going to have to suffer at an amped up Elland Road, but the fact they had no out-ball meant Leeds felt comfortable keeping the pressure on and committing more bodies forward in search of the opening goal.
The hosts asked all the questions, and their dominance told as Okafor collected the ball inside the area and fired past Antonin Kinsky with a little over 10 minutes to play.
Striker concerns
Spurs lack a focal point in attack, with the lively Mathys Tel forced off through injury early on and both Omar Marmoush and Dominic Solanke struggling to assert themselves. The latter pair managed a combined four touches in the opposition box.
Compare that with the battling performance of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who beat Van Hecke in the air to set in motion Leeds' opener, and the issue becomes clear.
Spurs spent heavily over the summer, but it is clear they still need to invest in a centre-forward. Solanke has struggled for form and fitness over the last 12 months, while Marmoush is an awkward profile and not cut out to lead the line as the lone striker in De Zerbi's system.
International break boost
Spurs returned from the last international break revitalised, and De Zerbi will be glad to have more time on the training ground to iron out his side's attacking deficiencies. There was no lack of resilience or application from Spurs, but they were ultimately let down by the fact that they could not make the ball stick in the final third.
With Spurs frequently turning over possession, Leeds were able to keep hammering away at the visitors' resolve, and it was inevitable they would capitalise sooner rather than later.
This result is a blip rather than a call for crisis. Spurs have been much improved over the last few weeks, and on another day they would have kept Leeds at bay and celebrated a well-deserved clean sheet. What their performance highlighted, though, is just how much they miss James Maddison and still long for a striker in the image of Harry Kane.
