Leicester City 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur: 5 Talking Points from the game

When Leicester City prepared to host Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, both clubs had the same number of points(8) after the first 5 games. However, Spurs were 4th in the table, while the Foxes were in 6th position. Most importantly, Leicester came into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United last weekend. Tottenham, on the other hand, were riding high after their 4-0 demolition of Crystal Palace last Saturday, even though a 2-2 midweek draw against Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League had left a bad taste in the mouth.

For Mauricio Pochettino, the game was a chance to get another win under the belt in the Premier League. However, the Argentinean knew that it would not be an easy trip since the Foxes were undefeated at home this season.

Tottenham took the lead in the 29th minute through Harry Kane’s brilliant finish. The first half ended 1-0, but after the break, the home side grew in stature with every passing minute. Ricardo Pereira finally scored the equalizer in the 69th minute, before James Maddison gave the home side the lead in the 85th minute. Leicester City came from behind to win against Tottenham and here are 5 talking points from the game.

#5 Tottenham fall further behind in the Title race

Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

Tottenham were already 7 points behind league leaders Liverpool before the start of the game. And the visitors gave away a half time lead once again this season. At the end of the 90 minutes, Spurs now are in danger of slipping 10 points behind Jurgen Klopp’s side by the end of the gameweek.

After reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League and finishing 4th last season, Mauricio Pochettino was expected to push on and challenge for the Premier League title this term. However, his plans look jeopardized after their second defeat in 6 games in the league so far. The Argentinean has managed just 2 wins this season and the early signs have not been ominous for his team.

Also check out: Premier League Table La Liga Table Champions League Schedule

#4 VAR makes two important decisions in the game

The introduction of VAR in the Premier League this season has fetched mixed reactions from players, managers, and even fans. However, while some of the decisions have yielded controversies, there’s no denying that VAR has given a different dimension to the league this season. In the first game of Saturday, VAR had a telling impact as well.

In the first half, Wilfred Ndidi thought he had given his team the lead when he put the ball in the back of the net after a goalmouth melee. However, the goal was ruled out by VAR as replays suggested that Ayoze Perez was offside in the build-up to the goal.

In the second half, right after Ricardo Pereira had scored the equalizer, Tottenham mounted a slathering counter-attacking on the home defence, at the end of which Harry Kane fed the ball to Serge Aurier. The Ivorian finished well and celebrated restoring his team’s lead. However, VAR played spoilsport again, ruling out the goal as Son Heung-min was offside in the build-up.

It was the first time this season that VAR had ruled out two goals in a single game.

#3 Brendan Rodgers’ tactics outfox Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino’s side was the favourites going into the game and his team was expected to gather all three points on the day. Tottenham’s frontline and their ability to break at speed made them a very dangerous side. The Argentinean had allowed his attacking players to express themselves, and the players at his disposal had the qualities to beat the Foxes. One man, though, had other ideas.

Brendan Rodgers identified the weaknesses in Tottenham’s backline and made full use of them. He played fire with fire, hitting Tottenham on the counter and keeping the visitors occupied with the interchanging play of Youri Tielemans and James Maddison. The continuous onslaught on the visitors finally bore fruit when Ricardo Pereira scored the equalizer. However, Rodgers smelled blood and made a vital change in the backdrop of the goal.

He pushed Maddison into the No. 10 role and allowed him the freedom to attack. As Jamie Vardy stretched the defence, it opened up space for Maddison to weave his magic. The Englishman scored the winner and helped his team gain all three points.

#2 James Maddison impresses for Leicester City

James Maddison was on the verge of joining Manchester United this summer, but the move did not materialize. Since then, The Englishman has shown Solskjaer and the United fans what they have missed this season. The Englishman has been fantastic for Leicester City and has been utilized very well by Brendan Rodgers. Against Tottenham too, the Leicester City No. 10 ran the show for his team.

Maddison started in a more restrained position, as his team tried to adjust with Tottenham’s power and speed on the break. However, the Englishman continued to show his qualities on the ball, switching the play at speed and initiating counter attacks. He played some beautiful through balls for Jamie Vardy to run into, and his presence helped his team take control in the game.

After the home team got the equalizer, the Englishman was freed off his shackles and he showed his finishing abilities by scoring a fantastic long ranger to give his team the lead.

#1 Leicester City could give the top 6 a run for their money this season

The Foxes ended last season in the 9th position in the league and even lost their Harry Maguire to Manchester United in the summer. The Foxes, though, managed two important acts over the summer. They convinced James Maddison to stay and also secured the services of Youri Tielemans. That, coupled with Brendan Rodgers’ tactics, means that Leicester City has enjoyed a stellar start to the new season.

The defeat to Manchester United has been the only low so far, but apart from that, Leicester City has responded very well to Brendan Rodgers’ tactics. The Scottish manager has set his team out according to their strengths and allowed them to play free-flowing attacking football. Leicester looks rejuvenated under him and has already drawn away at Chelsea, apart from this win against Tottenham. The Foxes could give the rest of the top 6 a reality check in the coming weeks and at the moment, look like a proper contender for a place in the top 6 themselves.

Edited by ankith18