Richarlison’s goal gives Tottenham the lead … but Vardy and El Khannouss strike again

Tottenham striker Richarlison celebrated his first home start of the season heading into the opener against Leicester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Brazil international Richarlison took advantage of generous defending to meet Pedro Porro’s cross with a brave header to break the deadlock after 33 minutes and put Spurs on course to end their three-match league losing streak.

That ambition was dented 58 seconds after the restart when Jamie Vardy fired over from close range for Leicester’s second try to draw level, with Bilal El Khannools heaping on his opponents’ misery when he struck from distance four minutes later.

“They get an overhead kick down the right and it’s a wonderful cross,” former England goalkeeper Rob Green told BBC Radio 5 live of Richarlison’s goal.

“The pressure has been mounting. There is nothing Leicester can do. Richarlison can’t be missed – he’s a good header. “

Ricky 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ze9rqdknf9

– Tottenham Hotspur (@spursoFicial) January 26, 2025

Richarlison’s statistics

Richarlison has featured in just 10 of his side’s 34 games in all competitions as part of another injury-hit season in 2024/25.

The 27-year-old’s absence has been keenly felt by manager Ange Postecoglou, who has been affected by a series of wounds Among your staff.

The former Everton hotshot returned in his first league appearance in nearly three months on January 15, scoring 12 minutes into the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.

He scored in the 92nd minute on his return to Goodison Park on 19 January, but the goal was little consolation as the visitors lost 3-2 to their relegation-threatened opponents.

They fared better against the Foxes, going close a minute before Richarlison’s opener when Richarlison’s son’s cross was tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk.

Bilal in battle ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/jnrvgulkmd

– Leicester City (@LCFC) January 26, 2025

Tottenham vs Leicester

Tottenham won 3-2 at Hoffenheim in the Europa League Thursday, when Richarlison also started, but they have gone six league games without a win, including five defeats.

Leicester are even worse off, losing their previous seven league games and beating top-flight rock-bottom Southampton on 19 October.

New manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy already appears to be under pressure, although his players started at Tottenham before familiar defensive failings saw them fall behind.

Van Nistelrooy’s words at the interval had an immediate impact as Vardy turned on Bobby de Cordova-Reid’s left-footed delivery.

El Khannools then put the side that had started day two ahead, curling in a fantastic effort from the right.