Leeds United and Spurs did battle at Elland Road, with Thomas Frank claiming his first ever win over Daniel Farke in the process.

The Leeds United defeat was the first at Elland Road in 384 days, since a 1-0 loss against Burnley in the Championship. It means Leeds have lost four home league games in 50 under Daniel Farke.

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It also meant that Leeds continued their terrible early Premier League kick-off record, and Farke was unable to continue his record against Tottenham.

Even more frustrating for Leeds is that Thomas Frank has not yet got Spurs’ attack clicking after replacing Ange Postecoglou. However, brilliance from Mohamed Kudus for both Spurs goals was the difference.

Thomas Frank ahead of Brentford's clash against Brighton.Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty ImagesThomas Frank’s view of the Leeds United fans against Tottenham

It was a game full of respect between two managers with admiration for one another. Farke spoke of appreciation of Frank ahead of Spurs‘ trip to West Yorkshire.

Frank reciprocated Farke’s feelings on Friday ahead of today’s game. They were then seen embracing before the match as friends. Post-match, they may not have been mates after the way the game panned out.

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Tottenham manager Frank spoke to BBC Match of the Day, saying: “We needed a win. The last three games were without [one]. That feeling to get over the line, to get three points, was big.

“But also the respect for Leeds and Elland Road. We knew very well the task ahead of us. We overcame that in a very good way. I thought we played overall a really good game. We should have got more out of the dangerous situations.

“I know they hit the post and the goal, and right at the end there was carnage, but for the rest of the game I thought we defended superbly.

“I think the character was the foundation, to go here and get through the spells where everything was not perfect and to keep the focus. I felt that was Xavi Simons’ best game for us.

“I am so happy for Mo [Mohammed Kudus]. Obviously scoring the goal because he wanted it. Not just a goal but a winner in a tight game. I also must mention Mathys [Tel]. He got his first goal of the season. He has had his setbacks so I am so, so happy for him.”

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However, Frank was full of praise for both sets of fans, too, adding: “Elland Road is a very difficult ground to go to, I have experienced that many, many times. Their fans were very good, and so were our away fans.” 

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank in a press conference.Photo by Chris Ricco – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesThomas Frank’s view of the stats in Leeds United’s loss to Tottenham

The stats for the game were posted by LUFC Data on X (formerly Twitter), but Frank did not feel as though they were reflective of the overall state of the game.

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Frank commented on the xG numbers and overall chance creation, stating his thoughts post-match via Beren Cross of The Athletic.

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Frank added: “I know how difficult it is in the Championship (to go unbeaten). They concede very little xG. What’s hidden in stats is five or six top chances where we flash ball across their box. I would rather praise them. They were good. Defended well. Very brave on the ball.”