Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Leicester City

Premier League, White Hart Lane

Goals: Janssen 44′, Musa 48′

Another penalty for Janssen but Musa cancels out toothless Spurs

Oh how Tottenham are missing Harry Kane right now.  There’s little doubt that the Tottenham defence is one of the league’s finest, as Spurs remain unbeaten and have only just conceded their first goal from open play after 10 games.

A rare error from Victor Wanyama was all that the Foxes needed to capitalise on after Vincent Janssen won and scored a penalty to give the home fans hope before the break.  It was new recruit Ahmed Musa who managed to score that equalising goal which meant that Tottenham needed to respond again to join Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool at the top of the table. They couldn’t in the end, despite their efforts.

There were several chances at both ends. Dele Alli came closest for the Lilywhites with a thunderous shot that cannoned against the crossbar, as well as having another shot stopped by the busy Leicester Kasper Schmeichel.  Christian Eriksen had another poor game by his own standards, and with Erik Lamela missing through illness, the spark for that final goal just did not come.

For Leicester, the Spurs defence kept their main goal threat Jamie Vardy pretty well under control although there was one moment where he broke free with pure pace but just could not control the ball.  This was a let off for the home side, as Vardy normally punishes opponents from that situation on a regular basis.  Riyad Mahrez was pretty much ineffective for the match due to a smothering performance from the talented Danny Rose.

Now that Spurs have drawn three fairly winnable matches, manager Pochettino will feel that there is a missing piece in the Tottenhamm jigsaw.  That’s Harry Kane, or another in-form striker.  Perhaps Vincent Janssen needs more time to adjust to the Premier League’s pace, and he worked hard for his goal.  He also fired just wide of the Leicester goal in the second half – his finesse just not quite fine-tuned enough. It was a game that Spurs may live to regret not winning, but it is also a statement that this team is not firing yet is still the only undefeated team in the Premier League.

Next up for Tottenham is a trip to Wembley where they face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.  The Foxes are also in action on the same night in the same competition against FC Copenhagen. There are some value odds about for both matches and we’re liking the look of bet365, Sky Bet and Ladbrokes for both matches.  More here.

Referee: Robert Madley