Jamie Vardy scored his 137th Premier League goal 13 minutes after the break as Leicester City earned a point on their return to the top flight and denied Tottenham a winning start to the campaign.
Former England striker Vardy capitalised on being left unmarked to head in Abdul Fatawu’s cross from close range and score Leicester’s first goal since their return to the top flight at the first time of asking last season.
Spurs looked in control during the first half, taking the lead when Pedro Porro glanced James Maddison’s cross in off his shoulder in the 29th minute.
In Steve Cooper’s first competitive match in charge, City rallied after the break and could have gone ahead when Vardy’s strike was saved by Guglielmo Vicario shortly after their equaliser.
JV9 is back 🔥🔵 pic.twitter.com/xAdv2mYhK2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 19, 2024
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Vardy goal thrills Leicester
Vardy had been out for more than three weeks with an injury the 37-year-old sustained during a pre-season friendly against Villarreal.
Speaking before the game, Cooper told Sky Sports that the club captain declared himself fit because he “was a little bit uncomfortable that we didn’t have a fit striker”, adding: “You have to trust his judgement.”
If that sounded like a gamble, the risk paid off. Vardy needs eight more goals this season to rise above Robin van Persie as the 14th-highest scorer of all time in the Premier League, a task that will be made easier with defending of the like shown by Spurs for his goal against them.
It ends all square after headers from Pedro Porro and Jamie Vardy 🤝 pic.twitter.com/c15m7yIh9j
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 19, 2024
Tottenham miss chances
Cooper kept faith with his starting side at half-time despite Tottenham threatening to increase their lead on several occasions before the interval.
New £65 million signing Dominic Solanke failed to capitalise on two presentable chances, while Rodrigo Bentancur saw an effort brilliantly cleared off the line by Wilfred Ndidi.
Richarlison also made his return from injury as a late substitute, only to head Lucas Bergvall’s inviting free-kick wide when well-placed.
Leicester are next in action when they visit Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm), which could mark a debut for midfielder Oliver Skipp, who completed his signing from Spurs for a reported fee of more than £20m earlier on Monday.
Tottenham, whose only away win since March 10 came at relegated Sheffield United on the final day of last season, kick off at the same time at home to Everton.
