Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Leeds United - who had a good day for Whites, who didn't and what was the turning point?

Leeds United don't do good days out in London, that much has become painfully clear in recent seasons and yesterday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur was no exception.
GOOD DAY - Kalvin Phillips might have ended up on the losing side but he worked his way into the game and did well on and off the ball for Leeds United against Spurs. Pic: GettyGOOD DAY - Kalvin Phillips might have ended up on the losing side but he worked his way into the game and did well on and off the ball for Leeds United against Spurs. Pic: Getty
GOOD DAY - Kalvin Phillips might have ended up on the losing side but he worked his way into the game and did well on and off the ball for Leeds United against Spurs. Pic: Getty

But it wasn't all bad, despite a 3-0 defeat. There was effort and energy and some nice football on display from Marcelo Bielsa's men. Raphinha's first half movement, Mateusz Klich's flicks and Jack Harrison's dribbling brought fun to the proceedings, if not goals for the visitors. Here's how we saw it.

Good day

Kalvin Phillips

Phillips seems to be developing the ability to work his way into games, after a quiet start. He did it against Manchester City, working harder to get on the ball after being shut down early on and he did it, to a slightly lesser degree admittedly, against Tottenham Hotspur. He was an absentee for most of the first 20 minutes but grew into it and put in a solid shift overall, in and out of possession. He began the day by greeting his England team-mates in the tunnel before the game, a nice moment made possible by his rise to international level, and was soon getting stuck into them on the pitch. The yellow card he picked up in the second half was unfortunate, however, it will rule him out of a reunion with Ben White.

Bad day

Gjanni Alioski

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Had he replicated his goal against West Brom with that early chance in London, things might have been different. It was a tough game for the left-back, but as Marcelo Bielsa alluded to, some of his problems were created by the way Leeds play and the structural issues they faced at times against Spurs. Bielsa, as ever, took responsibility for any difficulties Alioski faced. Even on a bad day, Alioski's effort levels were there to be seen and it must be remembered that he was playing against some incredible attacking players. On another day the penalty might have been deemed a free-kick too, it was touch and go. Illan Meslier didn't have a great afternoon either but made some important stops to keep the scoreline at least respectable. Rodrigo will feel he should have brought more to the game and faded noticeably in influence in the second half.

Number of the day

100

Son Heung-Min brought up his century of goals for Tottenham Hotspur with the lovely finish he guided past Illan Meslier. Of course it came from a Harry Kane cross. Son is electric. His movement, pace and energy make him a nightmare for defenders, his connection with Kane is remarkable and his performance was excellent. He didn't have it all his own way, but he was good value throughout.

Turning point

Son's goal

Once the second went in, just before half-time, it became very difficult to imagine a scenario where Spurs let slip of their advantage. They're such a strong side, with defenders who know how to defend and attackers who need few chances to score. On the counter attack they are lethal and they punish mistakes with ruthlessness. Mourinho's men added a third but they didn't need to, two goals always looked like enough against a Leeds side with plenty of intent, endeavour and effort but little real joy in the final third. Spurs packed the penalty area and looked pretty comfortable, despite the wave after wave of attacks from the visitors.