Leicester, United Kingdom: Jamie Vardy's second half equaliser gave Leicester a 1-1 draw against profligate Tottenham on their return to the Premier League on Monday. Steve Cooper's side survived a series of costly Tottenham misses either side of Pedro Porro's first half opener for the visitors at the King Power Stadium. Vardy made Tottenham pay for their erratic finishing with a typically predatory header, capping his surprise appearance just days after he had been ruled out by Cooper after suffering a pre-season injury.
The 37-year-old has now scored nine Premier League goals in 17 appearances against Tottenham, who trudged off wondering how they had failed to demolish Leicester during their dominant first half display. Tottenham finished fifth in boss Ange Postecoglou's first season following a campaign in which the Australian's commitment to all-out attack was eventually exposed at the cost of Champions League qualification. Once again, Tottenham were hampered by poor finishing and unfocused defending.
Dominic Solanke was especially culpable on the striker's debut after moving from Bournemouth for a fee that could rise to £65 million ($84 million). Leicester are back in the Premier League after winning the Championship to end their one-year absence. Amid reports the Foxes could face a points deductions for breaking financial rules, new boss Cooper needs to hit the ground running if they are to avoid relegation and this gritty display was an encouraging start.
Tottenham w.