Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 5 October 2025 13:25, UK

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was powerless to leave any impression on Leeds United’s loss on Saturday.

Leeds were beaten 2-1 by Tottenham, with Mohammed Kudus’ second-half strike ultimately separating the sides.

Noah Okafor scored Leeds’ 800th Premier League goal, in what was another impressive display from the summer signing.

The forward has bagged two goals in his five league appearances so far, and looks to be among Daniel Farke‘s best options going forward.

Okafor was spotted limping down the tunnel against Tottenham, but will now have two weeks to recover after being snubbed for the Switzerland international squad.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin fails to take chances vs Tottenham

Farke pointed out Leeds’ failure to take their chances against Tottenham, and Calvert-Lewin can find himself included in that criticism.

The striker enjoyed two massive chances, but failed to convert. The first of which came when Okafor had caught Rodrigo Bentancur dawdling on the edge of his own box.

The ball fell to Calvert-Lewin, and, in fairness, the striker was quickly surrounded by returning Tottenham defenders.

But the former England international could not even hit the target, getting under the ball and floating it way over the goal.

The striker will feel far worse about his second chance, however. With the scores level, Okafor again found the 28-year-old, who turned well to get away from Micky van de Ven.

• Leeds produced 16 shots against Tottenham, compared to the visitors’ nine.
• The home side also enjoyed four big chances to Spurs’ one, but could only convert one of them.
• Tottenham would create just 0.14 expected goals in the second half, compared to Leeds’ 0.43.
• Daniel Farke’s side would also emerge on top for possession, enjoying 56% of the ball despite losing.

Either side of Guglielmo Vicario, and Calvert-Lewin would have wheeled away in celebration. But the former Everton man could only fire straight at the Italian, who saved with his legs.

Not even 10 minutes later, Spurs would go up the other end and score the game’s winning goal through Kudus.

Frustratingly for Farke, Leeds would leave empty-handed despite having provided 1.57 expected goals (xG) to the visitors’ 0.58.

• Read more: Every word Wayne Rooney said about Leeds on Match of the Day after loss vs Tottenham – One player ‘should do better’

Calvert-Lewin fails to leave impression on Tottenham defence

Away from the opposition’s box, Calvert-Lewin was largely anonymous against Tottenham.

The striker recorded the least touches of any outfield player, and Karl Darlow, to play the 90 minutes, and lost possession eight times.

When he did get on the ball, Calvert-Lewin failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted and lost every one of his ground duels, while also making three fouls.

It was a dismal performance from the striker, when his team were desperately in need of an outlet to escape the Tottenham pressure.

But Van de Ven and Cristian Romero would enjoy a relatively untroubled day against the striker, who struggled to make his presence felt.

In the air, Calvert-Lewin did enjoy some success, but it came far too rarely, and to little effect for much of the game.

Leeds cannot afford to carry bodies

If Leeds are to stay up this season, they must work together as a unit, and that means contribution from all 11 players.

Farke’s team cannot afford to carry any bodies, with each and every point set to prove crucial come the end of the season.

On Saturday, they did exactly that when it came to Calvert-Lewin, and with the margins so tight, every moment matters.

Had the forward taken one of his two big opportunities, the conversation surrounding his little impact outside of them would take on a very different tune – such is the nature of football.

But all the time Calvert-Lewin fails to take his chances, he fails to get away with performances that leave Leeds fans wondering where he was for much of the game.

With Joel Piroe appearing to fall out of favour with Farke, the gauntlet has been thrown down for Calvert-Lewin and he must respond.

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