Tottenham could have had at least a 3-0 lead at the break, missing several massive chances in the first period. Instead, only Pedro Porro’s 29th-minute goal separated the rivals. The punishment came in the 58th minute when Jamie Vardy levelled the score and stunned the Spurs. The away team tried to net the winner, but all their attacks were too unorganized to outsmart Leicester’s defence. Hence, in the end, both teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw.The closing duel of the first Premier League round was the duel of the two teams whose matches have recently abounded with goals: the clash of the newcomers who immediately returned to the Premier League and the club hoping for a trophy after 16 years, Leicester City and Tottenham.The Saudis won’t be held to ransom: Bye Guehi, Newcastle turn to GomezAnge Postecoglou opted for the strongest possible squad with the captain Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and the latest acquisition, Dominic Solanke, as the attacking trio. On the other hand, Harry Winks faced his former club, where he spent 20 years, and the legendary Jamie Vardy led Leicester’s offence.Tottenham had the first opportunity after Maddison’s corner, but the Spurs’ attempt was cleared from the goal line, and then Leicester’s keeper, Mads Hermansen, deflected the ball. Fourteen minutes into the game, Solanke tried with a header, but the Danish keeper had an easy task.Tottenhem’s domination brought the Spurs the lead after half an hour! Son left the ball for Maddison on the left flank. The Englishman sent a perfect cross into the penalty area and surprisingly found Pedro Porro (?!) there, who sent an ideal header into Leicester’s net! The home team tried to organize some meaningful attacks, but the Spurs’ pressing completely tied their hands (and legs). Looking at the first-half stats, it was odd Tottenham didn’t have a more convincing lead – 10 shots (four on target), 72% possession, and seven corner kicks. On the other hand, the Foxes had one attempt and three corners.50 – Since the start of 2018-19, his debut season in the competition, no Premier League midfielder has been involved in more goals away from home than James Maddison (25 goals, 25 assists). Travels. pic.twitter.com/HRA5JvNa1A— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 19, 2024 Ten minutes after the break, Solanke threatened once more. However, his attempt from inside the area went straight into Hermansen. However, the Foxes were not nicknamed after that cunning animal for nothing! Their first shot on target ended behind Guglielmo Vicario’s back! Out of nowhere, Abdul Fatawu chipped the ball to the back post, and Vardy – did you expect someone else? – made no mistake with a close-range header – 1-1!The experienced forward could’ve even brought the complete turnover to Leicester, but Vicario was better in a one-on-one situation. Postecoglou knew he had no time to lose and made a quadruple sub, sending Dejan Kulusevski, Timo Werner, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Gray in, in pursuit of the winning goal.##NAJAVA_MECA_8276777##Nevertheless, the Spurs seemed to have overcomplicated things, trying to get as close as possible to Leicester’s goal, but the home team’s dense defensive formation didn’t give in. Nine minutes in the added time gave Tottenham an opportunity to chase the winner, but, on the contrary, they could’ve conceded the second goal after Bergvall lost the ball near the box. Vicario saved his team once more, deflecting Stephy Mavididi’s header.This was the game Tottenham had to win and show everyone they were capable of finally fulfilling their ambitions. The Spurs controlled the game before the break and had everything in their hands – the lead and numerous chances – but, alas, if you allow even a little space to Vardy, the ball in your net is the only outcome you can expect. Conversely, Leicester and Steve Cooper opened the season ideally, salvaging a draw against a powerful opponent.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 1FridayMan.Utd. – Fulham 1-0 (0-0)/Zirkzee 87/SaturdayIpswich – Liverpool 0-2 (0-0)/Jota 60, Salah 65/Arsenal – Wolverhampton 2-0 (1-0)/Havertz 25 Saka 74 /Everton – Brighton 0-3 (0-1)/Mitoma 25, Welbeck 56, Adingra 86/Newcastle – Southampton 1-0 (1-0)/Joelington 45/Nott.Forest – Bournemouth 1-1 (1-0)/Wood 23 – Semenyo 86/West Ham – Aston Villa 1-2 (1-1)/Paqueta 37(p) – Onana 3, Duran 79/SundayBrentford – Crystal Palace 2-1 (1-0)/Mbeumo 29, Wissa 76 – Pinnock 57 og/Chelsea – Man. City 0-2 (0-1)/Haaland 18, Kovacic 84/MondayLeicester – Tottenham 1-1 (0-1)/Porro 30 – Vardy 58/
