The season so far: Leeds United head into international break with renewed optimism after statement Tottenham victory

There is a considerably different feeling around Elland Road heading into the November international break than there was a week ago.

After a difficult run of results threatened to derail the early promise of Leeds United's return to the Premier League, Daniel Farke's side have given their supporters a timely reminder of what they are capable of producing.

Saturday's 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur was more than just three points.

It was a performance that demonstrated the character, attacking potential and resilience within this Leeds side, with second-half substitute Noah Okafor providing the decisive moment to send a packed Elland Road into celebration.

The Whites now head into the international break sitting eighth in the Premier League table, with 14 points from their opening fixtures.

They are just two points away from the European places and have established a six-point cushion over the relegation zone.

Considering the challenges that come with returning to the top flight, it represents an encouraging position for Farke and his players at this stage of the campaign.

A difficult spell brought to an end

The importance of Saturday's result becomes clearer when considering the five league matches that preceded it.

Leeds had gone into the Tottenham fixture without a victory in their previous five outings, collecting just three draws and suffering two defeats while scoring only twice.

It was a frustrating spell for a side that had shown plenty of promise during the opening weeks of the season.

Results against Manchester United and Crystal Palace had demonstrated their ability to compete, but a lack of goals and an inability to turn performances into victories had become an increasing concern.

There was also the difficult trip to Arsenal, where Leeds were beaten 2-1, before a goalless draw away at Sunderland further extended their winless run.

The 1-1 draw against Manchester United had offered some encouragement, but Leeds were still searching for the consistency required to establish themselves in the Premier League.

Tottenham presented a particularly difficult challenge. Roberto De Zerbi's side arrived at Elland Road having won their previous three matches and remained unbeaten in four, making them one of the more in-form opponents Leeds could have faced.

However, the visitors were unable to reproduce that form in West Yorkshire.

Okafor provides the Elland Road moment

The opening 45 minutes were a relatively competitive affair, with Tottenham enjoying the greater share of possession.

The visitors controlled 61 per cent of the ball across the afternoon, but struggled to translate that territorial advantage into meaningful opportunities.

Leeds, meanwhile, showed their willingness to compete, with Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu both trying their luck from distance.

James Trafford was called upon to make important interventions, including a comfortable stop from an Omar Marmoush effort, but Spurs rarely looked capable of seriously troubling the Leeds goalkeeper.

There was also controversy surrounding Jayden Bogle's challenge on Mathys Tel, which resulted in a lengthy VAR review but ultimately saw the Leeds defender escape a red card.

Tel was subsequently forced off through injury.

The second half was a different story entirely.

Farke's players emerged with considerably more attacking intent, taking the game to their opponents and creating the better opportunities.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin came close from a corner, while Tanaka missed a promising opportunity inside the penalty area.

Sean Longstaff also came agonisingly close to opening the scoring, only for Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky to produce an excellent save.

Leeds were increasingly threatening and, on another afternoon, could have found themselves two or three goals ahead.

Their inability to make the most of those opportunities threatened to leave them frustrated once again.

That was until Farke turned to his substitutes.

Noah Okafor and Harry Wilson were introduced in the 77th minute, and the decision immediately paid dividends.

Just 97 seconds after entering the pitch, Okafor found himself with the ball inside the Tottenham penalty area, took a touch to create space and fired a powerful effort into the bottom corner.

The Swiss international had scored with his third touch of the afternoon, producing the moment that Elland Road had been waiting for.

There was still work to do, with Tottenham pushing for an equaliser during the closing stages.

Trafford produced an important save from a Jan Paul van Hecke header in stoppage time, ensuring Leeds held on to a victory that was thoroughly deserved.

The numbers supported the performance. Leeds registered 16 shots compared to Tottenham's seven and finished with an expected goals figure of 2.05 against the visitors' 0.80.

Despite having considerably less possession, the Whites were the more dangerous 

An encouraging position in the Premier League

Perhaps the biggest positive heading into the international break is the position Leeds find themselves in.

Eighth place, 14 points and just two points separating them from the European places represents a strong foundation for a newly promoted side still adjusting to life back in the Premier League.

There is, of course, a considerable amount of football still to be played.

The season is only approaching its early stages, and the table can change considerably over the coming weeks.

Nevertheless, Leeds have given themselves breathing room, sitting six points clear of the relegation places.

That gap is particularly important given the expectations surrounding the club following their promotion.

Survival remains the overriding objective, and establishing a comfortable position away from the bottom three would represent a positive first season back in the division.

Farke will also be encouraged by the fact that his side have demonstrated they can compete with established Premier League opposition.

The performances against Manchester United and Tottenham, in particular, have provided evidence that Leeds are capable of making life difficult for teams with considerably greater top-flight experience.

However, there remain areas that require improvement.

The lack of consistent goals during the recent winless spell highlighted the importance of being more clinical in the final third.

Leeds have created opportunities in several matches but have not always found the finishing touch required to collect maximum points.

Calvert-Lewin's presence provides an important focal point in attack, while the likes of Okafor, Lukas Nmecha and Wilson offer Farke different attacking options.

The Tottenham victory demonstrated the value of that depth, with Okafor making an immediate impact from the bench.

Defensively, Leeds have also shown periods of resilience, although maintaining that consistency across an entire campaign will be essential.

Trafford's contribution against Spurs was another reminder of the importance of having a reliable goalkeeper, particularly when protecting narrow leads.

What comes next for Farke's side?

The November international break arrives at an opportune moment for Leeds.

Rather than spending the fortnight reflecting on another disappointing result, Farke and his coaching staff can approach the pause with renewed confidence following a victory that has lifted the mood around the club.

There will be opportunities to work on the attacking deficiencies that have contributed to recent dropped points, while also building on the intensity and organisation displayed during the second half against Tottenham.

The international commitments will mean several members of the squad are away from Thorp Arch, but those remaining will have the opportunity to prepare for what promises to be another important period of the season.

Most importantly, Leeds have restored some momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Five winless matches had threatened to overshadow what had otherwise been an encouraging start to life back in the top flight, but Saturday's performance provided a timely response.

The challenge now is ensuring that Tottenham represents a turning point rather than an isolated afternoon of success.

With 14 points on the board, eighth place in the Premier League and a six-point advantage over the relegation zone, Leeds have given themselves a platform to build from.

There is plenty of work ahead, but after an afternoon in which Okafor's intervention brought Elland Road to life, the Whites can head into the international break with renewed optimism about what this season might bring.