From hero to zero: Tel gives, Tel takes, as Spurs EPL status remains under threat

How do you call a hero and a tragic figure in one or two words? If you ask Tottenham Hotspur fans after the clash against Leeds - Tel. Mathys Tel.

The Frenchman first sent the fans in London into ecstasy with a marvellous screamer, breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute and paving the way for the Spurs' triumph and a much more comfortable position in the relegation battle against West Ham.

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However, 24 minutes later, he made a reckless foul on Ethan Ampadu in his team’s box, giving away a penalty to the Whites, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent home and salvaged a rather meaningless 1-1 draw for the visitors, as they had previously secured survival in the Premier League.

As for Roberto De Zerbi’s crew, this task has yet to be fulfilled, with the crucial two matches waiting around the corner.

Given that Leeds' top-flight status is no longer under threat, it's no wonder Tottenham started the game much better and largely controlled it in the first half.

In the span of 10 minutes (between the 26th and 36th), the home team wasted three decent chances, as Mathys Tel's shot from a promising position was blocked, Richarlison's effort went straight into the visitors' keeper Karl Darlow, and Joao Palhinha fired it poorly over the bar from close range.

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On the other hand, Leeds had only one opportunity before the break, but it was the most dangerous, as Spurs goalie Antonin Kinsky barely stopped the ball on the goal line following Joe Rodon's towering header midway through the first period.

Still, the nets remained untouched in the first 45 minutes.

However, it took only five minutes after the break for the one behind Darlow's back to bulge! The visitors failed to clear the ball properly after a corner kick, and Tel seized the chance, netting a beautiful opener from just outside the box.

Eight minutes after the Frenchman's goal, Richarlison had another great chance to seal the Whites' fate and definitely bring Tottenham to the verge of a survival in the Premier League, but the Brazilian once again lacked focus in the decisive moment, sending the ball far over the bar from a point-blank range.

And, as it usually happens, a punishment came shortly, just 16 minutes later, as Tel went from hero to tragic figure in no time! Namely, the forward was reckless in the London side's box, kicking Ethan Ampadu in the head. Leeds received a penalty kick and Dominic Calvert-Lewin was ruthless, equalizing the score.

Roberto De Zerbi's men in the end didn't have enough strength and focus to take another lead, as the Whites - who even hit the bar in added time (which lasted for 15 minutes?!) through Sean Longstaff - salvaged a (for them) quite meaningless draw. On the other hand, the two lost points may turn out to be crucial in the relegation battle between Tottenham and West Ham.

Spurs have a two-point advantage at the moment, but the last two essential games will decide. The pressure on the Spurs keeps mounting.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 36

Saturday

Liverpool - Chelsea 1-1 (1-1)

/Gravenberch 6 - Fernandez 35/

Brighton - Wolverhampton 3-0 (2-0)

/Hinshelwood 1, Dunk 5, Minteh 86/

Fulham - Bournemouth 0-1 (0-0)

/Rayan 53/

Sunderland - Manchester United 0-0

Manchester City - Brentford 3-0 (0-0)

/Doku 60, Haaland 75, Marmoush 90+2/

Sunday

Burnley - Aston Villa 2-2 (1-1)

/Anthony 8, Flemming 58 - Barkley 42, Watkins 56/

Crystal Palace - Everton 2-2 (1-1)

/Sarr 34, Mateta 77 - Tarkowski 6, Beto 47/

Nottingham Forest - Newcastle 1-1 (0-0)

/Anderson 88 - Barnes 74/

West Ham - Arsenal 0-1 (0-0)

/Trossard 83/

Monday

Tottenham - Leeds 1-1 (0-0)

/Tel 50 - Calvert-Lewin 74 pen/