Leicester City’s veteran striker Jamie Vardy salvaged a point for the newly-promoted side in their Premier League opener, holding Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium on Monday. Despite dominating much of the match, Spurs were left to rue missed opportunities that could have secured them all three points.
Tottenham’s early control was evident as they created several chances in the first half, but it was Pedro Porro’s 29th-minute strike that finally broke the deadlock. However, the visitors’ inability to convert further chances proved costly. “Disappointing night for us,” admitted Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. “We controlled the game but were wasteful in front of goal. That’s something we need to address.”
The second half saw more missed opportunities for Tottenham, particularly from new signing Dominic Solanke, whose wayward finishing kept Leicester in the game. Just as it seemed Spurs would walk away with a narrow victory, Vardy, Leicester’s captain, headed in the equalizer in the 57th minute. The goal marked Vardy’s eighth Premier League opening-day goal, a record only bettered by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
“I see age as just a number,” Vardy said post-match. “As long as I keep looking after myself, I’ll keep playing for as long as possible.”
Adding to Tottenham’s woes, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was stretchered off in the second half following a nasty collision, leading to an eight-minute stoppage. Although Bentancur received oxygen on the pitch, he was later reported to be recovering.
Spurs, under Postecoglou’s first-year management, had hoped to start their campaign with a win, especially after investing heavily in the transfer window. Solanke, their marquee signing, was expected to make an impact, but his missed chances highlighted the work still needed for Tottenham to challenge for a top-four finish this season.
