The Whites took a deserved lead into the half-time interval in the capital as Dan James bagged his first goal for the club on the stroke of the break.
Spurs, though, turned the game around in the second half as Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Sergio Reguilón both struck to give Antonio Conte a winning start on home soil in the top flight.
United had a number of injuries to contend with - seven senior absences - which saw youngster Joe Gelhardt handed a first start in the Premier League up front.
Key midfielder Kalvin Phillips was also selected in defence by Bielsa to combat the star-studded frontline of the hosts.
“He played very well," Bielsa said of Phillips' performance post-match.
"In the second half when he played centre back he played well even if it was less minutes than the first. I thought he was the best player to go with Harry Kane when he drops to pick up the ball.
"At the same time I thought Diego Llorente was best player to follow Son Heung-min's diagonals."
Here's how chief YEP writer Graham Smyth rated the 90 minutes for the Leeds squad...
United had a number of injuries to contend with - seven senior absences - which saw youngster Joe Gelhardt handed a first start in the Premier League up front.
7. Adam Forshaw - 8
His first half display was truly excellent, gave Leeds control. Influence waned in the second half but he worked tirelessly. (8)
8. Mateusz Klich - 6
A busy first half, covering a huge amount of distance. Couldn't give Leeds control in the second half before being replaced. (6)
9. Daniel James - 7
Got his goal and went looking for more, heavily involved up front. Lots of effort, end product didn't always match his general play. (7)
10. Jack Harrison - 6
Provided an assist, worked himself into the ground. Not all of his work was high quality in the final third. (6)
11. Joe Gelhardt - 6
Some nice touches, a few efforts on goal. Didn't look out of place at all against experienced defenders. (6)
12. Sub: Junior Firpo - 5
Guilty of giving the ball away, didn't quite look on the same page as team-mates at times. Rust perhaps played a part. (5)