Big Leeds United surprise, Archie Gray's key role and off-camera Tottenham moments as 'curse' is lifted

Leeds United ended a run of five games without a win and signed off the November international break in style with a long-awaited win in a lunchtime kick-off against Saturday’s visitors Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road. Here’s the YEP’s take and some off camera moments from the day to savour down at LS11.

Good day

Melvin Bard

It’s take your pick on the good day front, Daniel Farke most definitely along with matchwinner Noah Okafor and the imperious Tarik Muharemovic at the back although Nico Elvedi was just as impressive. But the club’s summer left back signing Melvin Bard probably deserves top billing after a superb performance from the bench on a rare chance to impress. Bard had played just 18 minutes of Premier League football up until Saturday’s visit of Spurs through his outing from the bench against Newcastle United but the 26-year-old was a surprise introduction at the break as first choice left back Gabi Gudmundsson was forced off injured. Bard, though, immediately impressed at both ends of the pitch, charging down the left and sending in some very good crosses and also proving very strong defensively. The crowd were chanting his name barely 20 minutes after being brought on and this was definitely a day to savour for the 26-year-old Frenchman.

Bad day

Archie Gray

Some Leeds performances were better than others and Lukas Nmecha endured a bit of a frustrating time of things upfront despite plenty of effort and endeavour but you couldn’t say it was a bad day for any of the Leeds men. But despite impressing in the opening exchanges, Saturday’s return to Elland Road can’t exactly be considered a good day for ex-Whites star Archie Gray who saw his boyhood team and former club beat his new one and indeed jump back above them in the Premier League table. Gray was given a key role as he lined up in the centre of Tottenham’s midfield and it must be said he looked very good in the opening exchanges. The ex-Leeds youngster has a commanding presence about him and given that he is still only 20 years old the world really his oyster. Gray then moved into right back after Pedro Porro had gone off and the ex-Leeds star lost Okafor for the only goal of the game but all told he was one of Tottenham’s better players. But ultimately it was a bit of a day to forget for the returning ex-Leeds man as his side’s run of three straight wins came to a halt. Mind, we all know he’s Leeds through and through and there’s no doubt that deep down he will be pleased to see the Whites doing so well. Onwards and upwards for him too.

Off-camera moments

Plenty of ex stars in attendance for matchday coverage with Steven Gerrard and Glen Hoddle the guest pundits for TNT.

Another impeccably observed Last Post and minutes’ silence ahead of Remembrance Sunday, one week on from similar at Bournemouth. United’s fans also all paid their respects to Leeds fan Colin Westby who tragically passed away after suffering a medical emergency before the Man United game with a huge applause for him in the 69th minute.

A huge applause for the returning Joe Rodon as he warmed up for the first time midway through the first half as he returned to the matchday squad ten weeks on from the hamstring injury suffered in the 1-1 draw at home to Brentford. Rodon was also given a terrific reception as he was brought on for a brief return to action deep in second half stoppage time.

Spurs loss Roberto De Zerbi eventually losing patience with referee John Brooks and his inconsistent decisions in the first half. De Zerbi ended up being booked but in fairness to him he held it together pretty well in his post-match press conference in which he was very composed despite the defeat albeit clearly frustrated with both the referee and result.

Not a moment as such but the incredible lunchtime kick-off curse finally banished. Astonishingly, Leeds had not won an early kick-off in the Premier League for four years, not since the the 3-0 victory against Chelsea of August 2022. The Whites have obviously had two years in the Championship since then but it was still 21 Premier League games kicking off before 3pm without a win. But alas the curse is now finally banished and a particularly loud roar greeted the full time whistle.