LEICESTER, England — Jamie Vardy’s second-half goal earned Leicester City a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League opener at the King Power Stadium on Monday.
Vardy, who had not played in any of Leicester’s pre-season matches, headed in the equalizer in the 57th minute from Abdul Fatawu’s cross. The 37-year-old striker had assured manager Steve Cooper of his fitness just before the match, following an injury to Patson Daka that left the team without a senior striker.
“We didn’t have a striker,” Cooper told Sky Sports before the game. “He said he feels good, he was a little bit uncomfortable that we didn’t have a fit striker and he made himself available.”
Tottenham had dominated the first half, maintaining over 70% possession and taking the lead through Pedro Porro’s finish from a James Maddison cross. However, they failed to capitalize on numerous chances, with £65 million ($83 million) summer signing Dominic Solanke particularly wasteful.
Spurs’ evening worsened when midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was stretchered off following an eight-minute stoppage late in the game. The nature and severity of his injury were not immediately clear.
The draw marks the second consecutive season Tottenham has failed to win their opening fixture. Manager Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style was evident, but the team’s inability to secure a second goal proved costly.
Vardy’s goal was his eighth on an opening Premier League weekend, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. His performance drew praise from pundits, with Gary Neville commenting on Sky Sports about Vardy’s longevity and adaptability.
“I did think though he’d be a player who relied completely on his pace, running off the shoulder and counter-attacking. And when he lost his pace, lost a yard, he’d find it difficult to adapt his game, as many others have,” Neville said. “But he’s still going at 37. He’s still got that burst, that yard.”
The match highlighted both Tottenham’s potential under new management and the ongoing importance of Vardy to Leicester, who are looking to bounce back after promotion from the Championship.
As the Premier League season gets underway, both teams will be looking to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures. Leicester City travels to face Manchester City next, while Tottenham hosts Manchester United.
