Leicester

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Leicester striker Jamie Vardy has been described as the "ultimate team-mate" by Robert Huth, who alongside Vardy helped the Foxes win the Premier League in 2015-16.

The 37-year-old forward netted the equaliser in Leicester's 1-1 draw against Tottenham on Monday and, as he was being substituted, appeared to taunt the travelling Spurs fans about their failure to win a Premier League title.

Huth told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I do sometimes think football gets a bit boring, everybody has the same answers in interviews. So it is kind of refreshing having players having a bit of fun with supporters.

"As long as both sides understand it's just a bit of banter and a bit of humour between them, then that's absolutely fine. I actually enjoy it, I think it just brings something to the game, a bit of spice to it."

The former Germany centre-back continued: "He [Vardy] is exactly what you see on TV. He does it to opposition fans and opposition players, but he also does it to his own team-mates. He's very annoying but very lovely with it.

"I would probably describe him as the ultimate team-mate really. When he's on the pitch you know he's going to give it his all, you know he's going to fight for 100 minutes. He makes a rubbish ball look good with his energy. He's a really infectious character.

"It was great to have him in the team when I played, he certainly made the difference for us."

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Matt Piper said Leicester's draw with Tottenham on Monday was one of "the most miraculous turnarounds" he has seen from the club.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast, the former Foxes winger said: "For 55 minutes, I thought it was a real struggle - and I was really worried it could be three or four [goals to Spurs], maybe even five on a different day.

"The combination in the first half of some poor finishing from Spurs after they got in some really dangerous areas, Leicester weren't at it - that gulf in quality was there for everyone to see, I still believe that, but when you lack quality you have to make up for it in other areas and after 55 minutes I think that's what they did.

"They showed more battle, they rolled up their sleeves and got in the faces of the Spurs players, they were following runners and making big tackles.

"There was a lot more energy and urgency about the performance, and then we got the goal which injected some life into the stadium and the players - then they started to believe, and so did the crowd."

He added: "In the end we could have gone on and won the game - we had them flustered, Ange Postecoglou was walking all round his technical area, hands on his head, throwing things on the floor.

"That is one of the most miraculous turnarounds that I have seen in a game from this club. We couldn't lay a glove on them in the first half, we didn't get anywhere near them - it lacked energy, urgency and more importantly it probably lacked belief."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Leicester winger Kasey McAteer has signed a new long-term contract to keep him at the club until 2028.

McAteer, an academy graduate, made 26 appearances in all competitions last season.

"Everyone knows what playing for Leicester City means to me having been here at the club for most of my life," said the 22-year-old. "To sign a new contract after such an incredible 12 months is a dream come true.

"It's such a special club and there's so much excitement around the place going into the new Premier League season. I'm so happy to be part of it and I'll be giving everything to play my part in helping the team achieve all we can on the pitch."

Chris Forryan
Fan writer

Let me take you back to Monday night.

At 18:38 BST, BBC Sport football news reporter Nick Mashiter posted on this very page: "Leicester wait to see if they are 'Premier League ready."

Now, I accept we were playing Tottenham here, not Manchester City, and they are called 'Spursy' for a reason, but they finished fifth last season and are in European competition for a reason too.

That reason was there for all to see in the first 45 minutes. We were defending like the British at Rorke's Drift. Spurs deserved to go in ahead at half-time, but what is that saying about a game of two halves? Here you had it.

How many Red Bulls were drunk by the Leicester players at half-time we can’t imagine, but for a lot of the second half, and especially once they had equalised, the Foxes were on top and could well have taken the lead.

The nine-minute halt for the injury broke the game up, though it is good to hear Rodrigo Bentancur is all right.

Winning a game is as much about how you defend as how to attack. Steve Cooper proved a lot of doubters wrong, as did the players who had taken some stick for their pre-season performances.

Facundo Buonanotte was outstanding, Victor Kristiansen was like a new signing and Jannick Vestergaard proved there is a top-flight defender in him. I could go on...

But a special word for Mr Vardy. We call him "the GOAT" but, to me, he is the Duracell Bunny because he just keeps going.

I wasn't expecting that performance but, Mr Mashiter, I think you have your answer: we are!

Find more from Chris Forryan at Leicester Till I Die, external

We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Here are some of your comments:

Leicester fans

Liam: I really thought we were going to be beaten and it was going to end maybe 4-0 or 5-0, but the spirit and passion that Steve Cooper sent the boys out with was inspiring. If we carry on with that belief, passion and never say die attitude, we will be in for one hell of a ride this season. Up the Citeh!

Andrew: If you had given me a draw before the match, I would have taken it. Leicester were lucky to come in at half-time just one goal down, but the change at the break was huge. We can't rely on Vardy forever, but there is nothing wrong with enjoying it while we can!

Andrew: The first half was what many of us dreaded - Leicester were dominated by Spurs but somehow went in at half-time only one goal down. Whatever Steve Cooper and his coaches said during the break did the trick and we came out invigorated and believing that we could respond. The final 30 minutes (and Vardy) were magnificent. My ears are still ringing!

Mike: I think under Steve Cooper it is going to be a rollercoaster season. This game encapsulated his approach - hang on and hope for chances. Vardy is perfect for this type of football. We might not have much possession but if we can defend resolutely and grab a goal, we should do alright this season.

Tottenham fans

Robert: If anyone wants to understand the term "Spursy" then they only need to watch a replay of this match. We were totally dominant for 60 minutes but we only scored one goal. Then, inexplicably, Romero leaves Vardy unmarked to nod in Leicester's first attempt on target. Players and coaches come and go, but that weak mentality remains. It is both frustrating and baffling.

Tom: Ange said that our finishing was poor - that included Solanke. Johnson and Son were both poor. Son, at 32, no longer has the pace to go past defenders, so instead he plays sideways and backwards. Udogie was given a hard time and he didn't look match fit. Vicario's shouting and screaming at Bergvall was disgraceful - he is an 18-year-old in his first Premier League game! Awful from Vicario.

Karl: Wasteful, like the boss said! It happens too many times throughout seasons, year after year. We definitely should be picking up three points playing teams like Leicester, with no disrespect to them because they dug in and found belief.

Larry: Very disappointing and limp. Spurs have no desire to win trophies and it shows in their body language. Every players needs seconds on the ball and there is no urgency. Spurs are happy to take the lead in matches and shut up shop - Ange seems happy to let them do that as well. We could struggle to finish in the top 10 this season.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

New Leicester City, same Jamie Vardy.

Premier League goal number 137, leaving him just seven goals behind Robin van Persie and sitting 15th on the all-time scoring list, earned the Foxes a battling point against Tottenham.

Leicester rode their luck quite considerably, as wasteful Spurs missed their chances to put the game beyond the Foxes.

But the grit and determination to hang on and ensure they remained in the game was something that pleased boss Steve Cooper.

The Foxes are going to need those fighting qualities if they are to re-establish themselves in the top flight.

However, they might not find future oppositions are as generous as Tottenham were in letting them back into the match.

But in Vardy - who turns 38 in January - they have their last remaining Premier League winner in the squad and, despite being in the autumn of his career, they know they can rely on him.

A few parting words to Cristian Romero as he was substituted also underlined his bite.

He might have lost that explosive turn of pace and he may not challenge for the Golden Boot - which he won in 2019-20 - but Leicester City enter their new Premier League era with Vardy ready for yet another fight.

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Leicester City boss Steve Cooper speaking to BBC Radio Leicester: "It was a difficult first half and it was self-inflicted. Although we did have a plan, we didn't quite get it right because of the possession. We showed them how we could change that at half-time and they agreed and responded.

"We had to up our game and you saw that we looked a good team with the ball as well. I felt like the equaliser was coming and it felt like a second goal was too.

"I am not going overboard because we want to be winning games, but we are satisfied with a point. It is also great for confidence and belief that we can succeed at this level."

The latest episode of BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast has arrived.

With the Foxes' returning to Premier League action, former Leicester winger Matt Piper looks back on their 1-1 draw against Tottenham at King Power Stadium.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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We can only talk about one person here, can't we?

Jamie Vardy gives hope to those who think their advancing years means their football career is coming to an end as he got Leicester's equaliser.

The 37-year-old had barely had a pre-season because of injury and was not expected to be fit for this game.

However, with Steve Cooper's side missing a number of forwards through injury, Vardy stepped up.

It was a vintage Vardy finish, positioning himself in the perfect place to head in a cross from close range and he could have got a dream winner but the lack of fitness perhaps told as he placed his shot too close to the goalkeeper.

But it is now 104 Premier League goals for Vardy after the age of 30 and he is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

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