Leeds (31 points - 19th place) have been relegated from the Premier League after they were beaten 4-1 by Tottenham at Elland Road on the final day of the 2022-23 season.
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Harry Kane scored twice more to complete his second 30-goal season, as Tottenham (60 points - 8th place) missed out on the Premier League’s final European place with Aston Villa beating 6th-place Brighton to qualify for the Europa Conference League. Now, a painfully pivotal summer of hirings and signings awaits for Spurs.
It was a nightmare start for Leeds, who needed not only a victory of their own but also points to be dropped by both Everton and Leicester above them. Tottenham’s first foray into Leeds’ penalty area ended with Kane hammering the ball past Joel Robles.
WATCH LEEDS vs TOTTENHAM FULL MATCH REPLAY
New half, same story for Leeds, who conceded once again barely a minute into the second half. Kane turned provider this time, as he lofted a blind ball into the channel for the overlapping Pedro Porro, who barely had a sight of goal with Robles smothering the near post. But, Porro placed a pinpoint strike just inside the far post from a tight angle.
Leeds gave themselves a faint hope when he slotted home after Georginio Rutter picked him out between two defenders in the 67th minute, but Kane answered just two minutes later with his second of the day and the 280th — and potentially final — goal of his Tottenham career.
Leeds United relegation reaction
Club statement:
“Everyone connected with Leeds United is deeply disappointed by the club’s relegation back to the Sky Bet Championship, after three seasons in the Premier League.
“Relegation is painful, and we apologize to our fanbase that the performances this season have not seen the club consolidate our status as we had all hoped.
“However, Leeds United remains in a strong position to build a team that can challenge for promotion from the Championship next season.
“We know things have not been good enough, we know we have to improve, but please be assured that behind the scenes we have worked hard to ensure that the past will not be repeated. Our focus is now on how we get straight back to the Premier League.
“Thank you for your unwavering support for the players and the badge, our objective is to continue to build the club into the one you deserve.”
Stars of the show
Leeds vs Tottenham, final score: 1-4
2nd minute - Harry Kane hammers home Tottenham’s opening goal
A nightmare start for Leeds as Harry Kane scores within the first two minutes of the match.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 28, 2023
📺: CNBC & @Peacock | #LEETOT pic.twitter.com/tdumhPLMER
47th minute - Pedro Porro places a pinpoint strike inside the far post for 2-0
67th minute - Jack Harrison gives Leeds a late lifeline
69th minute - Harry Kane answers immediately with his 30th goal of the season
Harry Kane has his 30th goal of the season!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 28, 2023
📺: CNBC & @Peacock | #LEETOT pic.twitter.com/0WVoJrqWwz
90th minute +4 - Lucas Moura adds to Leeds misery with Spurs’ 4th goal
How to watch Leeds vs Tottenham live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 11:30 am ET, Sunday TV channel: CNBC Online: Stream via Peacock Premium + Watch on NBCSports.com
Key storylines & star players
Leeds have had plenty of time opportunities to drag themselves out of the bottom-three and away from the relegation scrap as a whole, but they are now winless in their last eight games (0W-2D-6L) and have won just three of their last 24. Their biggest problem? The Premier League’s worst defensive record in 2022-23 — 74 goals conceded in 37 games. In each of the last four seasons, the side to concede the most goals has been relegated.
With another summer of uncertainty (from the manager to most of the first-team squad) on the cards for Spurs, Sunday could be the final time Harry Kane pulls on the white shirt of Tottenham, following reports this week that he will ask — or perhaps has already asked — to leave the club if a fair offer is made. Kane’s 278 goals make him the club’s all-time record goal scorer, and his departure could signal a full-blown tear-down and rebuild for the incoming manager still to be hired.
Leeds team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Tyler Adams (hamstring - out for season), Luis Sinisterra (ankle - out for season), Patrick Bamford (thigh)
📋 Your #LUFC Starting XI... pic.twitter.com/CFvPhYk0Ql
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 28, 2023
Tottenham team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Cristian Romero (undisclosed), Rodrigo Bentancur (torn ACL - out for season), Hugo Lloris (hip), Eric Dier (hernia), Ryan Sessegnon (thigh), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (undisclosed)
Our XI for the final time this season 📋 pic.twitter.com/NcEkzxZIoc
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 28, 2023