Tottenham held Leeds to a 1-1 stalemate, but the drama peaked in the 103rd minute when James Maddison fell in the box after contact with Leeds forward Lukas Nmecha. Referee Jarred Gillett consulted VAR, and both officials ruled no penalty. The decision left Spurs on equal terms with West Ham, with only two fixtures remaining.

De Zerbi vented frustration, saying Gillett appeared unsettled after an earlier Leeds penalty for Mathys Tel. Premier League Match Centre noted the officials judged Nmecha’s touch on the ball insufficient for a spot‑kick. Had the penalty been given, Spurs could have stretched their lead over West Ham to four points, tightening their grip on survival.

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara called the non‑decision “obvious”, arguing the ball barely moved. He criticised the 49‑second review as a “crazy” contrast to a five‑minute VAR check on West Ham’s disallowed equaliser. With no penalty awarded all season, Tottenham now faces a must‑score finish to secure Premier League status.

Tottenham's quest for points now hinges on clean finishes rather than disputed calls, adding to a wave of late‑season officiating debates after the West Ham‑Arsenal incident that consumed four minutes of play. Fans and pundits alike question consistency while the refereeing body faces pressure to clarify guidelines on defender contact.