Four things we learnt as Spurs grind out victory against a stern Leeds United

Leeds equalised before half-time through Noah Okafor. The Swiss winger reacted first after Brendan Aaronson's effort was parried by Guglielmo Vicario.

Spurs re-took the lead after a brilliant strike from Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian took the ball past Gabriel Gudmundsson before unleashing a venomous strike into the bottom corner.

Thomas Frank will be delighted with his side's ability to grind out the result that now sees them rise to second in the table.

Leeds will also be encouraged from a good performance, ultimately, though, they were not rewarded for their endeavour.

With that being said, here are four things we learnt from the fascinating encounter.

A huge three points for Spurs

Leeds entered the contest unbeaten at Elland Road in 23 games, and it is clear to see why. But Spurs, despite being under pressure for much of today’s fixture, managed to come through relatively unscathed to take the three points back to north London.

It shows a steeliness and resiliance that is not often so synonymous with Spurs teams gone by.

Today’s performance was not pretty - although two fantastic goals secured it - but Frank will be ecstatic with how his side dealt with the intense pressure from the home side.

It was a classic, top away performance from the visitors. Yes, they were in danger of conceding at times through Leeds’ threat going forward, but their rigid defence just about coped.

In years gone by, Spurs could have thrown the lead away - not this time around. They look more dogged and up for the fight, and that’s why they find themselves second in the league at this early stage.

​Leeds have crafted a stellar midfield

If Leeds are going to stay up this season, they can have their midfield to thank and the acquisition of Sean Longstaff in particular.

It is a trio, a quartet if you include Ao Tanaka who joined from the bench, that has it all; aggression, tenacity, strength, height and quality.

And while they did not win the match today, they were well in the game courtesy of the battles won in the middle of the park.

Longstaff has been a revelation since his arrival at Elland Road from Newcastle this summer - he scored his first goal for the club in last week’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. Everything positive seems to go through the 27-year-old.

Ethan Ampadu at the base of the midfield was excellent yet again today, industrious as ever, while Anton Stach consistently adds the quality needed, evidenced by his stunning free-kick at Wolves last month.

It’s a midfield with tremendous balance and if they play like they have at the start of the season give Farke great hope of staying in the league.

​A huge moment for Mathys Tel

It has been a tumultuous spell for Tel at Spurs since his arrival, initially on loan, in January. The club made the deal permanent in the summer for £30million, but the Frenchman hasn’t exactly made his mark on the side - until now.

While his strike in the 23rd minute took a wicked deflection on its way towards goal, it was a thunderous effort that would have required drastic action from Leeds goalkeeper Darlow anyway.

It marks just his third goal in Spurs white, his first this season, and is a huge moment for him moving forward.

With Richarlison, who was on the bench today, scoring three goals already this season, the goal will be vital in Tel’s efforts to stake a claim in Frank’s favoured 11.

The former Bayern Munich star hasn’t looked his confident best in north London yet, but his first-half finish will do him the world of good, as will much of the performance.

He was on the periphery of the game for much of today, but when required, he showed tidy touches.

After Harry Kane’s departure, Spurs have struggled for a No9 Dominic Solanke came and didn’t make his mark, while Son Heung-min saw his form dive off a cliff.

If Frank can have in-form Richarlison and Tel both battling it out for the spot up top, he will be a happy boss.

Noah Okafor - a bright spark

Leeds’ lack of investment in their forward line was well-documented over the summer. The one man they did spend big on to improve their attacking threat was Okafor, joining the west Yorkshire side in an £18m deal from AC Milan - and he looks the real deal.

He arrived at Elland Road with a wretched injury record, and if Leeds can keep him fit, they have a real player on their hands.

Yes, his first-half equaliser was a ‘tap-in’, but he was aware when the Spurs defenders were on their heels and reacted first.

Other than that, he often had the beating of Pedro Porro down Leeds’ left-hand side and put in some really dangerous deliveries that Dominic Calvert-Lewin in particular could have made more of.

He was a constant danger all game and, while his yellow card for a minor scrap with Cristian Romero was somewhat petulant, it showed fight and vigour from a player who is only going to get better.

The trickery in his feet, unpredictability and clear quality in front of goal could prove priceless in Farke’s efforts to keep Leeds in the league this year.