Leeds United fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, a result that was tough to take. They dominated large spells of the game, kept Spurs under pressure, and created enough chances to deserve more. Yet, a closer look at their recent record shows that the outcome was perhaps not as surprising as it seemed.
Daniel Farke was left gutted after the defeat at home to Spurs. His team dominated the game, had Spurs hanging on for large spells of the game, and were the better side by all accounts. However, at the end of the game, the Whites had nothing to show for it.
Leeds have looked more resilient and competitive than most promoted sides from recent seasons, and have been termed unlucky in their defeat against Tottenham at Elland Road.
However, the loss to Tottenham has highlighted a glaring Premier League record for Leeds, which seems to have escaped the attention of most fans and pundits.
Leeds United have a terrible record in the early kick-offs
Ahead of the game, there were suggestions that the early kick-off on Saturday would be an advantage for Leeds against Tottenham at Elland Road.
Spurs were in midweek Champions League action away from home, while Leeds had a full week to prepare for the big game against the ‘top six’ side.
However, the talk of any advantage could have been downplayed if anyone bothered to take a look at Leeds’ Premier League record in the early kick-offs on Saturdays.
Leeds have now failed to win any of their last 12 Premier League matches that have kicked off before 3 pm, losing 10 and drawing two.
Leeds have now failed to win any of our last 12 Premier League matches that have kicked off before 3pm (W0, D2, L10). #LUFC pic.twitter.com/sMJ6llDX6g
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) October 4, 2025
It’s a woeful record that Leeds will have to find a way to fix as the Whites will be in action in several such games over the course of the Premier League season.
It should have been an advantage for the Whites against Tottenham, but the away side produced a battling performance to walk away with all three points.
Leeds need to find a way to prepare better for these early kick-offs to ensure that these games do not derail them in the Premier League.
Leeds need to start taking their chances
They have one point from their last two Premier League games, but it will not be a stretch to suggest that they should have picked up all six.
The Whites dominated Bournemouth at home last weekend, with Andoni Iraola admitting that they were a level above. However, they missed several chances and were undone by a late goal.
Leeds had Tottenham under the cosh on Saturday. However, the missed chances came back to haunt them again as they lost 2-1 against the north London club.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been guilty of missing some great opportunities, and Leeds need to find a way to be more clinical to avoid squandering a solid start to the season.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
