Jesse Marsch's decision not to convert to a back five and match Tottenham Hotspur in the middle of midfield left former Leeds United defender and BBC pundit, Jon Newsome, puzzled. The Whites took the lead three times against Antonio Conte's side, but were pegged back each time, with Rodrigo Bentancur scoring a brace in the final few minutes of the game to wrap up the three points.
The Whites head coach admitted that his side are prone to lapses in concentration which has cost them once again. A win in the capital would have made it three on the bounce for Marsch and Leeds United, but it wasn't to be.
They now head into the international break in 15th place, two points above the relegation zone.
READ MORE: Four players Leeds United should look out for at the World Cup ahead of January
Speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Radio, Newsome said: “It’s difficult to defend that. Difficult to go against that. We got a really good vantage point and you could see the angles, you could see how the game was playing out.
“I personally didn’t understand why you go to a back five when they’ve only got [Harry] Kane up there who keeps dropping into the midfield. They were hurting us in the middle of the park.
“They were winning more second balls, they were passing the ball around us, they were picking us off, they were keeping possession in the middle of the park.”
Next up for Leeds after the World Cup break is an Elland Road clash against Premier League champions Manchester City.
READ NEXT:
Jesse Marsch Leeds United defence from booing issued amid 'knee-jerk reaction'
Leeds United have traded in a looming World Cup rebuild for a January transfer evolution
Leeds United's familiar feeling as Jesse Marsch's World Cup break focus becomes clear
Jesse Marsch gives verdict on Tyler Adams' late Leeds United red card and Man City suspension
'Defensive frailties Leeds United's undoing' - National reaction to rollercoaster Spurs defeat
