Jamie Vardy’s second-half header salvaged a 1-1 draw for Leicester City against Tottenham Hotspur on their Premier League return on Monday.
Despite Tottenham’s dominant first-half performance, Steve Cooper’s side managed to capitalize on a series of missed opportunities by the visitors. Pedro Porro’s first-half goal gave Spurs the lead at the King Power Stadium, but Vardy’s equalizer kept the Foxes in the game.
Vardy, who hadn’t featured in any of Leicester’s pre-season games, was initially expected to miss their Premier League opener. However, the 37-year-old made himself available following an injury to Patson Daka, leaving Leicester without a senior striker.
“We didn’t have a striker,” Cooper told Sky Sports before the match. “He said he feels good, and he was uncomfortable with us not having a fit striker, so he made himself available. You have to trust his judgment.”
That trust paid off as Vardy headed in Abdul Fatawu’s pinpoint cross 12 minutes into the second half, securing Leicester’s equalizer with their first real chance of note. The veteran forward has now scored nine Premier League goals in 17 appearances against Tottenham, who left the field ruing their inability to kill off the game.
Tottenham, who finished fifth under manager Ange Postecoglou last season, were once again hampered by poor finishing and lapses in defense. Dominic Solanke, making his debut after a move from Bournemouth, struggled to convert his chances, adding to Spurs’ frustrations.
Leicester, newly promoted after winning the Championship, displayed grit in their first game back in the top flight. Despite reports of a potential points deduction for financial breaches, Cooper’s men showed resilience, giving the new boss an encouraging start as they aim to avoid relegation.
Tottenham had early chances, with Wilfred Ndidi clearing Rodrigo Bentancur’s effort off the line and Mads Hermansen denying Brennan Johnson’s powerful strike. Solanke’s diving header was easily saved before Cristian Romero missed a close-range header, allowing Leicester to stay in the contest.
