EPL 2016/17: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Leicester City - 5 talking points
Tottenham Hotspur played host to defending champions Leicester City, whose London visit proved fruitful at the end of an evenly poised contest. Mauricio Pochettino’s title-hopefuls had to contend with just a point from another stalemate, making this their fifth outing in all competitions without a win.
Spurs are now placed fourth, 3 points behind league leaders Manchester City who cruised to a 0-4 away victory at the Hawthorns. The Citizens are now tied on points with Arsenal and Liverpool with only goal difference separating the three sides.
In this piece, we take a look at the key talking points from an entertaining game in London.
#5 Ranieri’s charges toil to take a fair share of the spoils
Danny (Drinkwater) and Danny (Simpson) stole the show for Leicester in a team display that finally paid dividends. The understanding which Ranieri’s men have developed as a team helped them put up a resilient performance when it mattered most.
The Dannys, Wes Morgan and even forwards Okazaki and Jamie Vardy epitomised the work ethic instilled into the Foxes by their Italian boss.
Wes Morgan put in a good shift in central defence, and Drinkwater neutralised the Spurs attack through an efficient outing in the centre of the park and Simpson put in the key blocks and tackles.
Leicester dug in well during the first half, preventing much in-roads being made by an attack that is blunt enough without star striker Harry Kane.
Although Robert Huth conceded a spot kick leading to Vincent Janssen’s goal, the visitors came back from the half-time break with intent to play and not just ball-watch.
A determined and persistent showing earned them a well-deserved point against third-placed Spurs, through Ahmed Musa’s strike assisted by last season’s hero Jamie Vardy.