Definitive Days No.10
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Leeds United 1
11 May 2026

Thanks to Greg Smith for this picture

There were hopes before the match that Spurs could win and extend the gap between themselves and West Ham to four points. Unfortunately this didn't happen.

Spurs played well in the first half but didn't score. Tel scored a fine goal to put Spurs ahead. Unfortunately he then conceded a penalty which allowed Leeds to draw level. They never really recovered from that setback.

Antonin Kinsky gave another fine performance making a key save in each half from which Leeds could have scored.

James Maddison made a cameo appearance and hopefully can contribute something significant in the two final matches.

De Zerbi has done very well in the last two away games but has still to overcome to home game problem. Astonishingly Spurs haven't won any of their last eleven Premier League games dating back to last December.

In De Zerbi's two home league games Spurs have led three times but have been unable to see the matches out, conceding goals with the results being draws. This is a significant concern given that Spurs may need to win their final match at home to Everton to confirm their Premier League status.

Spurs currently have a two-point lead over West Ham. The second last round of matches sees West Ham away to Newcastle on Sunday while Spurs face Chelsea on Tuesday. Spurs record at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League is worse than against any other club they have faced away from home. Notwithstanding the fact that it takes place 72 hours after Chelsea have played in the FA Cup final this will be a very challenging fixture and West Ham have the easier opponents this coming weekend.

If the results are favourable Spurs could be safe by the end of this round of games.

If it goes to the final weekend then there are four scenarios.

Spurs lead by two points. This situation would definitely favour Spurs and they would only need a draw to be safe.

West Ham lead Spurs by a point. In this case West Ham would control their own destiny and if they won the final match Spurs could do nothing to save themselves.

Both teams are level on points or Spurs lead by one point. These are the two most interesting scenarios. Spurs control their own destiny in both situations. If Spurs match the Hammers result they stay up.

If West Ham draw or lose their final match it should work in Spurs favour.

The tricky situation arises if West Ham win their final match. In this situation Spurs must beat Everton to stay up. De Zerbi still hasn't cracked the home win situation so there could be an element of doubt there.

I really hope that this scenario doesn't arise on the last weekend since it could be incredibly tense and could turn on whether a player under pressure made a mistake as has happened in the last two home matches.

Still there is much to play for and we must believe that De Zerbi can preserve the Premier League status.

. Spurs Odyssey match report

. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part One
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Two
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Three
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Four
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Five
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Six
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Seven
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Eight
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Nine

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