On January 2, 2021, Tottenham Hotspur faced Leeds United in a Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tottenham secured a 3-0 victory, showcasing their efficiency in front of goal and solid defensive organization.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Tottenham Hotspur: 3 (Harry Kane 29′ (pen.), Son Heung-min 43′, Toby Alderweireld 50′)
- Leeds United: 0
- Possession:
- Leeds United dominated possession with 64%, while Tottenham had 36%. Despite having less possession, Tottenham was more efficient and clinical in their play.
- Shots:
- Tottenham registered 20 shots, with 7 on target, indicating a strong offensive performance. Leeds United had 18 shots, with 5 on target, reflecting their attacking intent but lack of precision in finishing.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Tottenham displayed a passing accuracy of 82%, completing 333 passes out of 405 attempts. Leeds had a higher passing accuracy at 86%, completing 599 passes out of 698 attempts. However, Tottenham’s more direct and purposeful play proved more effective.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Tottenham made 17 tackles, while Leeds United made 20, showing both teams’ commitment to breaking up play. Leeds committed 11 fouls compared to Tottenham’s 7, highlighting their aggressive approach to regain possession.
- Set Pieces:
- Tottenham’s third goal came from a set piece, with Toby Alderweireld scoring a header from a corner delivered by Son Heung-min. Set pieces were a crucial aspect of Tottenham’s game plan, which they utilized well to secure a comfortable lead.
- Individual Performances:
- Harry Kane was instrumental, scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot and providing an assist for Son Heung-min’s goal. Son’s goal marked his 100th goal for Tottenham, showcasing his importance to the team. Toby Alderweireld’s goal from a set piece further demonstrated Tottenham’s efficiency in utilizing dead-ball situations.
- Tactical Overview:
- Tottenham employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a solid defensive structure and quick transitions. Leeds United used their usual 4-1-4-1 formation, emphasizing high pressing and possession-based play. However, Tottenham’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking strategy were effective in nullifying Leeds’ approach.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Tottenham (Pierre-Emile Højbjerg 18′, Matt Doherty 90+2′), indicating a largely disciplined match despite Leeds’ aggressive pressing.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Tottenham won 5 corners compared to Leeds’ 10, with Tottenham making more effective use of their set-piece opportunities. Tottenham were caught offside twice, while Leeds were caught offside five times, reflecting Tottenham’s defensive organization and Leeds’ attempts to breach it.
Summary
Tottenham’s 3-0 victory over Leeds United was characterized by clinical finishing and strong defensive organization. Despite Leeds having more possession and attempts, Tottenham’s efficiency in key moments, particularly through Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, made the difference.
The early penalty converted by Kane set the tone, and Tottenham capitalized on Leeds’ defensive vulnerabilities to secure the win. This result highlighted Tottenham’s ability to execute a counter-attacking game plan effectively, while Leeds struggled to convert their possession into goals. The victory was crucial for Tottenham in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
