Leicester v Tottenham LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Vardy secures draw as Bentancur injured
Leicester 1-1 Tottenham: The veteran striker popped up in the second half to secure the hosts a point
Jamie Vardy marked Leicester’s return to the Premier League with a goal as the hosts secured an unlikely point against Tottenham Hotspur.
Captain Vardy had not been expected to feature in the opening fixture of his side’s top-flight comeback having missed most of the preseason due to injury, but was deemed fit enough to start with Steve Cooper lacking in alternative forward options. And it had to be him to produce a magic moment: Spurs had dominated the entirety of the contest unti the veteran striker headed home a second half equaliser totally against the run of play, Vardy directing Abdul Fatawu’s cross into the corner to secure a 1-1 draw.
Tottenham had appeared to have been cruising to an opening weekend win after Pedro Porro capitalised on their sustained pressure with a flicked first-half finish. With James Maddison sparkling on his return to his former club, the floodgates appeared likely to open thereafter, but a series of squandered chances from new recruit Dominic Solanke and the rest of the Spurs’ forward line left Leicester in touch, allowing Vardy to pop up and spark a King Power Stadium party again.
There was a worrying moment late on as Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur appeared to be knocked out in a clash of heads. After several minutes of treatment, the Uruguayan was sitting up and talking in the Tottenham dressing room after being carried off on a stretcher, and will continue to be monitored in line with concussion protocols.
Re-live all the action from the King Power Stadium below:
Leicester 1-1 Tottenham, 73 minutes
Bentancur appeared to be knocked out in that clash with Abdul Fatawu. Let us hope he is alright, the medics understandably taking their time to attend to the Tottenham midfielder. It was here in 2023 that the Uruguayan tore his ACL - dreadful luck.
Leicester 1-1 Tottenham, 71 minutes
Oh no. A real worry at the other end as Rodrigo Bentancur falls horribly after a clash of heads in the Leicester box. The referee quickly halts proceedings as the medics bring on a stretcher.
Leicester 1-1 Tottenham, 70 minutes
Top stop! Facundo Buonanotte slots in Jamie Vardy, who has Pedro Porro beaten and advances on Guglilelmo Vicario’s goal. His left-footed shot is crisp and clean but kept out impressively by the Italian goalkeeper.
Leicester 1-1 Tottenham, 65 minutes
“Come on you Spurs,” the travelling fans cry, perplexed at how their side have let the game slip. It may in fact be a QUADRUPLE change from Ange Postecoglou as he looks to restore order.
Leicester 1-1 Tottenham, 65 minutes
Mulling to do for both managers. Ange Postecoglou has a chat with a member of his coaching staff, considering his options. Youngsters Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have impressed in preseason and may well soon make competitive debuts.
Leicester 1-1 Tottenham, 63 minutes
And Spurs are then reliant on Cristian Romero to bail them out of danger after a brilliant ball from Victor Kristiansen bounces beautifully on Jamie Vardy’s chest. Romero manages to get his nose in - just...
Leicester 1-1 Tottenham, 61 minutes
Suddenly, a Tottenham defence that had looked totally at ease are struggling for shape. Destiny Udogie gets himself in a pickle and seems to bring down Abdul Fatawu, but the penalty appeals from teh Leicester players are waved away.
Leicester 1-1 Tottenham, 59 minutes
This was always the danger for Spurs. Having been utterly dominant, they are now in a contest, Leicester swelling in size after their first shot on target found the back of the net.
GOAL! LEICESTER 1-1 Tottenham (Jamie Vardy, 57 minutes)
It had to be him!
Half-fit, no preseason, barely a touch all night, but Jamie Vardy is back in the Premier League and back scoring goals!
Leicester build pressure for the first time, Victor Kristiansen’s cross whipped across the face of Guglielmo Vicario and kept alive by Abdul Fatawu. Fatawu has time to settle himself and pick out a vacant Vardy, who directs a clean header past Vicario. Remarkably, Leicester are level!
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