Frank hails Tottenham's 'mentality and character' after hard-fought win over Leeds

Thomas Frank praised his side's "mentality and character" after Tottenham claimed a 2-1 win against Leeds United on Saturday. 

Mohammed Kudus' second-half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides, after Mathys Tel's earlier effort was cancelled out by Noah Okafor's close-range finish.

Spurs have now won three of their opening four away Premier League games this season (D1), as many as in their final 13 away league games of last season under Ange Postecoglou (W3 D1 L9).

The victory snapped a two-game drawing streak for Spurs, who head into the international break in a strong position after seven matches.

"We knew it would be difficult. I actually think our performance was very good," Frank told TNT Sports.

"I think until the 80th minute we were in as much control as you can be in a Premier League away game. 

"I think the mentality and character in any team is the major foundation if you want to achieve great things. 

"The core of any great team is the mentality and the character."

While it was Leeds' first league defeat at Elland Road in over a year, the Whites have struggled when conceding first, losing eight of their last 10 top-flight matches in that situation (W1 D1), including three of the five so far this season (2025-26).

Daniel Farke's team had 16 shots to Spurs' nine, registering chances worth 1.66 expected goals (xG), but lacked the clinical touch when it mattered.

"My lads were the better side today. We dominated in all aspects and deserved the three points," a frustrated Farke said. 

"It was a really top performance, and an unlucky result against a top side."

Kudus was the standout performer, as he scored and assisted in the same Premier League game for only the second time, previously doing so in March 2024 against Newcastle United.

Only Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo (both nine) have more goal involvements in the Premier League this season than Kudus (five – one goal, four assists).