Roberto De Zerbi knows Tottenham's biggest issue and has the blueprint to fix it

De Zerbi's Spurs lost 1-0 to Leeds despite a solid defensive display, exposing their lack of a clinical centre-forward as the key weakness to address.

Tottenham's winning run ended at Elland Road as Leeds substitute Noah Okafor's goal with 10 minutes remaining secured a 1-0 victory. Despite handling Leeds' intensity well defensively, Spurs' attack was blunt throughout, with Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush combining for just four touches in the opposition box. Mathys Tel was forced off early through injury, leaving De Zerbi without his most lively attacking option.

The fundamental issue, according to the analysis, is Spurs' lack of a focal point in attack. Solanke has struggled for form and fitness, while Marmoush's profile does not suit leading the line as a lone striker in De Zerbi's system. The contrast was stark: Dominic Calvert-Lewin's aerial dominance for Leeds set up their opening goal, highlighting what Spurs are missing. De Zerbi will use the international break to work on attacking deficiencies on the training ground, having previously used a similar break to revitalise the team's form.