Tottenham Hotspur's survival hopes took another blow on Monday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds United, with a dramatic late VAR decision leaving fans and players frustrated at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The result leaves Spurs just two points above the relegation zone, making every point a precious commodity in the battle to stay up.

The flashpoint came deep into added time when James Maddison went down under a challenge from Lukas Nmecha. Referee Jarred Gillett initially waved away the appeals, but a VAR review followed, raising hopes of a late penalty. However, the Premier League's Match Centre confirmed the original decision stood, stating: "The referee's call of no penalty to Tottenham Hotspur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Nmecha played the ball."

Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith had already spotted the crucial touch during the review. "VAR will certainly get involved here! He certainly catches Maddison. Does he get a touch on the ball? He might get the slightest – which could save him!"

The match had started cautiously, with both sides feeling each other out in a tense first half. But things looked promising for Spurs early in the second half when Mathys Tel broke the deadlock, calmly slotting past Karl Darlow. However, in a cruel twist, Tel would become the villain moments later. Attempting to clear the ball inside his own penalty area, the Tottenham forward caught Ethan Ampadu, and a VAR review confirmed a penalty. Dominic Calvert-Lewin made no mistake from the spot, leaving Antonin Kinsky with no chance.

Referee Gillett explained the decision: "After review, Tottenham No.11 commits a foul on the Leeds attacker. The final decision is a penalty kick."

With a staggering 13 minutes of added time, both sides pushed for a winner, but neither could find the breakthrough. For Spurs, it's a missed opportunity in a season where every point counts. As the relegation battle heats up, Tottenham will need to regroup quickly and find a way to turn these draws into wins – or risk an even more nerve-wracking finish to the campaign.