Kudus, who joined Spurs from West Ham United in the summer for £55 million, produced a standout performance to help end Leeds’ impressive 23-match unbeaten home run.

“It was about time, wasn’t it? We’ve got big expectations,” said manager Thomas Frank after the game.

“I’m so happy for Mo – he needed that goal. He’s been our best offensive player so far. You just see, he looked a little bit more fluid.”

The 24-year-old set up Mathys Tel to open the scoring with a clever through ball before finding the bottom corner himself to restore Tottenham’s lead after Noah Okafor’s equaliser for the hosts.

Kudus has now been directly involved in four goals for Spurs this season. He will shift his focus to international duty, as he joins the Ghana national team for their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against the Central African Republic and Comoros later this month.

Spurs fought back from two goals down to snatch a point at the American Express Stadium, with Kudus playing a key role in the spirited comeback.

Speaking after the game, Frank highlighted the Ghanaian international’s all-round contribution, particularly his tireless work off the ball.

“I think two things. One, his work ethic has been really good. It’s big for me, how hard he works in the counter-press, high pressure, defensive side of it,” Frank explained in his post-match interview.

The Tottenham boss also underlined Kudus’ technical qualities, stressing that his ability to hold up play gave the team a vital outlet throughout the contest.

“But his hold-up play, when it goes into him, it just sticks. You can’t get it off him. So he just keeps it. He doesn’t lose a 50-50 ball.”

Kudus will be looking to build on his impressive showing when Spurs host Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup third round before returning to Premier League duty against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Ghanaian forward joined Spurs from West Ham during the summer transfer window, a move that has infuriated many Hammers supporters. Some have labelled him a “Judas,” while others were seen burning his jersey in protest.

Addressing the media at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Frank admitted he does not expect Kudus to be welcomed warmly.

“You don’t think they will applaud him? Maybe not,” Frank remarked with a smile. “I’m pretty sure players and myself hear the extra noise, but then you get into your zone. I’m sure it will be the same for Kudus and anyone in a hostile atmosphere.”

The Spurs boss, however, urged the 24-year-old to stay calm and keep his focus on the pitch as Tottenham look to recover from last weekend’s defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

“The thing he should do is focus on his game. That is what you can control,” he added.

Kudus was a key figure during his time at West Ham, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists in 80 appearances before his controversial switch to North London.

The winning moment came courtesy of Pape Matar Sarr’s stunning strike from just beyond the halfway line, securing a memorable triumph for Spurs against their city rivals in Hong Kong.

Kudus, who featured for 63 minutes before being substituted for Brennan Johnson, caught the eye with a standout performance.

Speaking after the match, Frank expressed his admiration for the 24-year-old’s contribution: “I thought he was excellent today – his hold-up play, composure on the ball, and ability to navigate tight spaces stood out. His one-on-one skills and chance creation were top class. Beyond that, he put in a tremendous shift for the team. He’s going to excite fans with his attacking flair while also contributing defensively.”

The former FC Nordsjaelland forward will look to maintain his strong form when Spurs take on Newcastle United this Sunday, before concluding their pre-season campaign against Bayern Munich. Kudus joined the Europa League champions from West Ham earlier this month for £55 million, becoming the most expensive Ghanaian player in history.

Spurs secured a 2-0 victory over the Championship side in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Kudus, who recently joined the North London outfit, made an immediate impact by providing the assist for Tottenham’s second goal.

Speaking after the match, Frank expressed his satisfaction with the Ghanaian midfielder’s performance.

“Mo Kudus, he’s the newest one. I thought he was exciting to watch — had four or five very good actions where you can see what he’s about: his pace, his one-on-one skills, the way he can twist and turn going forward,” he said.
“That was a positive,” he added.

Kudus signed for Tottenham from West Ham United on a six-year contract in a deal reportedly worth £55 million.

The former Ajax playmaker will be aiming to build on his bright start when Spurs take on Luton Town in their next pre-season fixture at Kenilworth Road on Saturday, with kick-off set for 14:00 GMT.

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The 51-year-old Dane replaces Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked earlier this month despite leading Spurs to victory in the Europa League final in May.

Frank spent seven years in charge of Brentford, guiding the club from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021.

He is Tottenham’s fourth permanent manager since June 2021.

Spurs finished 17th in the top flight last season, losing 22 of their 38 matches and finishing seven places and 18 points below Brentford.

However, they have qualified for next season’s Champions League after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao – their first major trophy for 17 years.

Justin Cochrane will join Frank at Tottenham as the Dane’s assistant, despite efforts from the Bees to keep hold of the England coach.

Frank has also brought head of performance Chris Haslam and first-team analyst Joe Newton with him from Brentford, while another assistant coach, Andreas Georgson, arrives from Manchester United.

Bees thank Frank for ‘incredible impact’

In a statement, Brentford said everyone connected with the club “would like to thank Thomas for the incredible impact he has had on the club’s history”.

Bees director of football Phil Giles said: “From the moment he replaced Dean Smith, he understood what we were trying to build and his wisdom, coaching ability and emotional intelligence have helped transform the club.

“But it’s not just what you see on the pitch. He forged a special connection with our fans, helped develop and improve players, and was instrumental in implementing the culture that has seen Brentford go from strength to strength.

“We will never forget Thomas, but now it is time to thank him and take the next steps in our journey with a new leader who we believe can be just as successful and influential.”

An hour after the appointment of Frank was confirmed, Spurs captain Cristian Romero posted a message, external to his former boss Postecoglou.

It included the line: “You paved the way despite the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist,” which some supporters have viewed as a shot at Spurs owner Daniel Levy, who chose to sack Postecoglou despite winning the Europa League.

The Dane, 51, has emerged as a leading contender to replace Postecoglou.

Brentford would be entitled to compensation for Frank, with sources indicating it would cost Tottenham more than £10m to extricate him from his contract which runs until 2027.

That figure could rise depending on how many members of staff Frank decides to bring with him if he is named Spurs boss.

Postecoglou was sacked on Friday, 16 days after leading Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, their first major trophy for 17 years.

However, it came towards the end of their worst Premier League season, as they finished 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches.

Frank took over at Brentford in 2018 and guided them into the Premier League, winning the Championship play-off final at Wembley in 2021 and establishing them as a top-flight club on a small budget.

Brentford finished 10th in the 2024-25 Premier League season, seven places and 18 points above Spurs.

Chief football officer Munn expected to leave Spurs

Meanwhile, Tottenham are expected to confirm the departure of chief football officer Scott Munn this week.

The Australian administrator, who joined Spurs in 2023, is understood to have left the north London club amid an internal reshuffle.

Munn was a key figure in the appointment of fellow Australian Postecoglou in June 2023.

Vinai Venkatesham started in his role as chief executive last Monday, while executive director Donna Cullen left the club.

Munn’s exit is another significant change in what is gearing up to be a crucial summer for Tottenham.

In addition to their search for new men’s and women’s head coaches, Fabio Paratici, the club’s former managing director of football, is in talks over a return to the club once his Fifa ban for alleged financial irregularities linked to his time at Juventus expires in July.

The Italian has been working with Spurs on a consultancy basis during his suspension, with the process towards his permanent reappointment ongoing.

There has been interest from the Middle East in Paratici, but it is understood he is keen to rejoin Tottenham.

Enzo Maresca, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino in June, has led the Blues to six straight wins in all competitions before hosting Frank’s Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Four successive league wins have taken Chelsea second in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool.

“They are maybe even more in-form than Liverpool, even though they are top of the league,” said Frank.

“They are playing incredible football and are well-coached. Maresca has done a top job so far with his coaching staff and they look extremely dangerous.”

Premier League top scorers Chelsea followed up a 4-3 win at Tottenham with a 3-1 win over Astana in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, and Maresca’s side have registered 15 goals in their past four games in all competitions.

Brentford are ninth after beating Newcastle 4-2 last weekend. But while the Bees have been formidable at home so far this season they have taken just one point from a possible 21 away.

They do, however, have an encouraging record at Stamford Bridge – winning all three of their Premier League games there.

“[Chelsea] have so many threats going forward and have top-quality players all over the pitch. I expect an unbelievably difficult game,” said Frank.

“They are massive favourites but, of course, we believe that we can compete against anyone and we believe we can win.”

The Blues are in search of a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino after he left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday.

Contact has been made with McKenna, 38 – who won promotion from the Championship with Ipswich Town this season – but there is competition from Brighton, who are looking to replace Roberto de Zerbi.

Manchester United are also reportedly interested in McKenna, who would cost more than £4m in compensation.

He is believed to be the frontrunner as Chelsea target a quick appointment but Maresca, 44, who led Leicester to the Championship title and was a coach at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, is an alternative option.

Danish coach Frank, 50, is similarly under consideration for his work in getting Brentford to the Premier League and then consolidating their position in the top flight.

It is understood that Chelsea also have a fourth ‘mystery’ contender on their shortlist.

Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness had been tipped as an option but is now believed to be staying in Germany.

The Chelsea players not with their countries meet up for pre-season on 4 July and will embark on a tour of the United States under new management, having finished sixth in the Premier League and reached the Carabao Cup final – which they lost to Liverpool – last season.

London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with the 27-year-old, who could return from a betting ban to face Nottingham Forest on 20 January.

Frank, however, is confident the England forward will remain at the club beyond the January transfer window.

“The very short answer is yes,” said Frank, when asked if Toney would stay.

“He is a Brentford player. He is here, we miss a few offensive players and I cannot see why we should sell him. I would love to have him here for a long time.

“It is not for me to discuss (an offer), but if I could ever recommend one, it would need to be an unbelievable price, so he will stay here.”

Brentford will be keen for Toney, who scored 21 goals last season, to return to the side after falling to defeat in their last five games.

In their third Premier League season, the Bees are four points above the relegation zone but Friday night may provide a welcome break from league action as they host Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup.

Frank’s side will be looking for revenge after they lost 4-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium against Gary O’Neil’s in-form team just eight days ago.

“We are clearly in a sticky patch and a spell we would like to get out of as quick as possible,” added Frank.

“It happens every year and to every team anywhere in the world. Hopefully, it is only the one spell we will have this year. We are in it now and we will get through it as quickly as possible.

“We really want to go on a cup run and tomorrow we will put out a strong team and do everything we can to win.

“The only thing we don’t want is a draw and I doubt Wolves want that either. I don’t understand why we have replays because we have enough games.

“I really enjoy the two cup tournaments in England. Obviously the FA Cup is the most historic one. It is fantastic to play in, and we should care about it, but the replays kill it, more than making it better.”