Bentancur brace completes sensational Spurs comeback

Tottenham Hotspur completed the most incredible of turnarounds, coming from behind three times to secure a dramatic 4-3 win over Leeds United.

Spurs will spend the FIFA World Cup break inside the Premier League top-four after Rodrigo Bentancur’s brace rescued victory from the jaws of defeat. 

A meeting of two second-half specialists in the capital appeared to promise a lacklustre first half, but there would be a pleasant surprise in store as Leeds flew out of the traps and took the lead within the opening 10 minutes.

Crysencio Summerville had netted in each of his previous three Premier League appearances, all coming after the 80th minute, but he was on target early here. Holding off Eric Dier, the youngster received the ball from Brenden Aaronson and coolly slotted past Hugo Lloris.

Antonio Conte’s men responded in contentious fashion. Illan Meslier was convinced he was fouled as he punched a corner away, but the decision did not go his way, and the ball landed at Harry Kane’s feet to rifle home the leveller. 

Spurs never looked comfortable though, and parity would not last until the interval as the spirited visitors restored their lead. Seizing on a corner that wasn’t properly cleared, Rasmus Kristensen’s lofted header was volleyed home by Rodrigo, sending Tottenham in at the break behind for the fifth time in their last six games.

With the words of a passionate Antonio Conte doubtless still ringing in their ears, Spurs equalised again at the start of the second half. After Kane’s close-range effort was blocked, Ben Davies’ powerful drive from the edge of the area burst through Meslier and Kristensen on the line to relieve some tension within the stadium.

Both sides are well versed in last-gasp winners, but Leeds thought they’d struck the killer blow as early as the 77th minute on this occasion.

Marc Roca, perhaps fortunate to have avoided a red card for a high challenge on Eric Dier, slotted in Spanish compatriot Rodrigo to net his second of the contest, producing a brilliant finish across Lloris into the bottom corner.

For all their faults, Spurs simply don’t know when they’re beaten this term and equalised for a third time moments later. Another cross was cleared to the edge of the area where Bentancur found space and drilled a half-volley through Luke Ayling and into the net.

Less than two minutes later, the Uruguayan was on target again to complete an outrageous turnaround. Fed by Dejan Kulusevski, Bentancur slid home the winner to the ecstasy of the crowd inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

To make matters worse for Leeds, Tyler Adams was sent off in the closing stages, although they remain two points clear of the drop zone.