In a Premier League season full of twists and turns, few results were as stunning as Leicester City’s 2-1 triumph away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The Foxes arrived in North London mired in a dismal run of seven straight league defeats, languishing in the relegation zone. But inspired by talismanic striker Jamie Vardy, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side pulled off an upset for the ages against Champions League-chasing Spurs.
Vardy Rolls Back the Years
While Leicester have struggled mightily this campaign, one constant has been the evergreen Vardy. Now 38 years young, the lightning-quick forward proved he still has plenty left in the tank with another vintage display. His well-taken equalizer early in the second half, stabbing home from close range, was his 7th Premier League goal of the season – and 135th of his top-flight career.
But Vardy’s value goes far beyond just goals. As manager Van Nistelrooy effused after the match:
He is a leader by example. The respect from the team and the staff at this club for him is huge. He is still producing.
– Ruud van Nistelrooy on Jamie Vardy
Provoking the Spurs Faithful
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Vardy knew exactly how to get under the skin of the Tottenham supporters. After his goal leveled the scores, the fiery forward made a point of gesturing to the Premier League badge on his sleeve – a not-so-subtle reminder that his Leicester side have won the title more recently than Spurs.
It was classic Vardy – defiant, cheeky, and unapologetic. And it clearly rattled the home fans, who had been silenced after Richarlison’s first-half header was canceled out.
El Khannouss Nets the Winner
While Vardy will deservedly grab the headlines, it was 18-year-old winger Bilal El Khannouss who provided the decisive moment. Just four minutes after the equalizer, the Moroccan teenager coolly slotted past Paulo Gazzaniga to complete the turnaround and send the away end into delirium.
It was a hugely impressive display from El Khannouss, making just his 5th Premier League start. The pacy youngster tormented Spurs’ backline all afternoon and took his goal with the composure of a seasoned veteran. Already coveted by bigger clubs, El Khannouss’ stock continues to rise.
Leicester Show Fighting Spirit
More encouraging than the result itself for Leicester was the manner of the performance. This was a display brimming with fight, character and quality – attributes sorely lacking in recent months. Van Nistelrooy’s men rolled up their sleeves and outworked a Spurs side who looked lethargic after their midweek victory over AC Milan.
The stats tell the story:
- 24 tackles by Leicester, compared to Spurs’ 13
- 7 interceptions, vs Tottenham’s 3
- 17 clearances by the Foxes’ backline
This was the kind of tireless, dogged effort that defined their astonishing 2015-16 title triumph. And with 13 games still to play, they will need plenty more of the same to beat the drop.
Vardy Leading the Charge
In his post-match comments, Vardy sounded a rallying cry for the battles ahead:
We have all stuck together as a team. We knuckled down, stayed together and got the big win. 100% back every single one of them [to get out of trouble]. We all know what is at stake. We want to play nice football but that was three points in the right direction and hopefully the start of a run.
– Jamie Vardy after Leicester’s win
Vardy knows better than anyone what it takes to defy the odds. After all, this is a man who was playing non-league football just over a decade ago before leading Leicester to the most unlikeliest of titles. If the Foxes are to script another incredible escape act, you can bet your last dollar that Vardy will be right at the heart of it.
A Crucial Three Points
While one win doesn’t erase the pain of seven straight losses, this felt like a pivotal moment in Leicester’s season. The grit, intensity and firepower they displayed had been sorely missing in a wretched run that cost former boss Brendan Rodgers his job.
For Van Nistelrooy, in just his second match in charge, this was a huge statement. The Manchester United legend clearly has the dressing room onside and believing in his methods. Most vitally, he appears to have lit a fire under his veteran striker and spiritual leader in Vardy.
The result catapults Leicester out of the drop zone, with basement side Hampshire United now occupying the third and final relegation spot. With winnable home games against Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers on the horizon, the Foxes have a genuine chance to put daylight between themselves and the bottom three.
As for Tottenham, this was a chastening reality check after the euphoria of their last-gasp win over AC Milan. While still clinging onto fourth place, Antonio Francini’s men look vulnerable, having taken just 5 points from the last 18 available. With a resurgent Newcastle United breathing down their necks, Spurs can ill afford many more slip-ups if they are to secure a seat at Europe’s top table next season.
Final Thoughts
In a season packed with unpredictable results, Leicester City’s stunning 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur still managed to raise eyebrows. Inspired by the age-defying brilliance of Jamie Vardy and an impressive display from youngster Bilal El Khannouss, the Foxes ignited their survival hopes in the most thrilling fashion imaginable.
With 13 matches still to navigate, Leicester face a fraught battle to preserve their hard-earned top-flight status. But with Vardy leading the charge and a renewed sense of belief coursing through the squad, only the foolhardy would write them off. After all, this is a club that specializes in confounding the doubters and achieving the impossible.
As the Premier League hurtles towards its climax, Leicester City have served notice of their stomach for the fight. With Jamie Vardy rolling back the years and a unity of purpose restored, the Foxes live to fight another day. Write them off at your peril.
It was a hugely impressive display from El Khannouss, making just his 5th Premier League start. The pacy youngster tormented Spurs’ backline all afternoon and took his goal with the composure of a seasoned veteran. Already coveted by bigger clubs, El Khannouss’ stock continues to rise.
Leicester Show Fighting Spirit
More encouraging than the result itself for Leicester was the manner of the performance. This was a display brimming with fight, character and quality – attributes sorely lacking in recent months. Van Nistelrooy’s men rolled up their sleeves and outworked a Spurs side who looked lethargic after their midweek victory over AC Milan.
The stats tell the story:
- 24 tackles by Leicester, compared to Spurs’ 13
- 7 interceptions, vs Tottenham’s 3
- 17 clearances by the Foxes’ backline
This was the kind of tireless, dogged effort that defined their astonishing 2015-16 title triumph. And with 13 games still to play, they will need plenty more of the same to beat the drop.
Vardy Leading the Charge
In his post-match comments, Vardy sounded a rallying cry for the battles ahead:
We have all stuck together as a team. We knuckled down, stayed together and got the big win. 100% back every single one of them [to get out of trouble]. We all know what is at stake. We want to play nice football but that was three points in the right direction and hopefully the start of a run.
– Jamie Vardy after Leicester’s win
Vardy knows better than anyone what it takes to defy the odds. After all, this is a man who was playing non-league football just over a decade ago before leading Leicester to the most unlikeliest of titles. If the Foxes are to script another incredible escape act, you can bet your last dollar that Vardy will be right at the heart of it.
A Crucial Three Points
While one win doesn’t erase the pain of seven straight losses, this felt like a pivotal moment in Leicester’s season. The grit, intensity and firepower they displayed had been sorely missing in a wretched run that cost former boss Brendan Rodgers his job.
For Van Nistelrooy, in just his second match in charge, this was a huge statement. The Manchester United legend clearly has the dressing room onside and believing in his methods. Most vitally, he appears to have lit a fire under his veteran striker and spiritual leader in Vardy.
The result catapults Leicester out of the drop zone, with basement side Hampshire United now occupying the third and final relegation spot. With winnable home games against Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers on the horizon, the Foxes have a genuine chance to put daylight between themselves and the bottom three.
As for Tottenham, this was a chastening reality check after the euphoria of their last-gasp win over AC Milan. While still clinging onto fourth place, Antonio Francini’s men look vulnerable, having taken just 5 points from the last 18 available. With a resurgent Newcastle United breathing down their necks, Spurs can ill afford many more slip-ups if they are to secure a seat at Europe’s top table next season.
Final Thoughts
In a season packed with unpredictable results, Leicester City’s stunning 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur still managed to raise eyebrows. Inspired by the age-defying brilliance of Jamie Vardy and an impressive display from youngster Bilal El Khannouss, the Foxes ignited their survival hopes in the most thrilling fashion imaginable.
With 13 matches still to navigate, Leicester face a fraught battle to preserve their hard-earned top-flight status. But with Vardy leading the charge and a renewed sense of belief coursing through the squad, only the foolhardy would write them off. After all, this is a club that specializes in confounding the doubters and achieving the impossible.
As the Premier League hurtles towards its climax, Leicester City have served notice of their stomach for the fight. With Jamie Vardy rolling back the years and a unity of purpose restored, the Foxes live to fight another day. Write them off at your peril.
