Hoddle backs Sullivan

Hoddle endured a late disappointment at Elland Road

Tottenham boss Glenn Hoddle gave his backing to Neil Sullivan after two errors from the Spurs keeper handed Leeds a 2-1 win at Elland Road.

"Mistakes happen in football," said Hoddle. "No one means to make them, and Neil has been excellent for us this season. He is a world- class goalkeeper."

Sullivan let Leeds back into the match when he failed to hold an Ian Harte shot after Gus Poyet had earlier put the Londoners ahead.

I thought there was only one team that was going to win it

David O'Leary

Harte's shot hit the post but then ricoheted off Sullivan and back into the goal.

And eight minutes from time, a misunderstanding between the Totttenham keeper and defenders Dean Richards and Chris Perry allowed Harry Kewell to grab the winner.

"We've shot ourselves in the foot with the two goals we have conceded - it's as simple as that.

"I'm scratching my head wondering how we have lost the game. We didn't deserve to lose it. At 1-0 up I didn't know where their goal was going to come from.

"To give two goals away like we did is a bitter pill to swallow. Neil and Dean know they have made two big mistakes.

"Dean should never have been heading the ball from where he was, because there was no danger. To be fair to Neil, seeing Harte's shot at bench level the ball did swerve.

Leeds celebrate Harry Kewell's winner

"But if it's not your day then the ball hits the goalkeeper and goes in the back of the net like it did. If it is your day then you get away with it."

Leeds manager David O'Leary felt his side deserved the three points but refuses to consider his side title contenders.

"I thought we were very unlucky to go a goal down," he said. "I thought we dominated the game and gave a soft goal away, even though it was a good strike from Poyet.

"I thought we should have been a couple of goals up by half-time. We were a bit tired. They had a week off and we had a very tough game on Thursday night.

"But the goal inspired us and they lifted themselves.

"I thought there was only one team that was going to win it, even though it's a great three points to go top against a difficult side.

"I think if we can get through this month and still be where we are, I think we'll have a great chance of qualifying for the Champions League," O'Leary added.