Foxes leave Spurs in their wake
LEICESTER: VARDY, MAHREZ PILE ON THE MISERY
United thump Watford, close the gap on City who face a tricky encounter with Southampton.
Tottenham Hotspur’s slump continued as Leicester City beat them 2-1 last night with Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez on target to avenge last season’s home mauling by the Londoners at the King Power stadium.
Thrashed 6-1 by Mauricio Pochettino’s side in May, Leicester produced a performance more like that which took them to the Premier League title in 2015-16, leaving Spurs reeling after a third defeat in their last five league games.
Vardy put the hosts ahead after 13 minutes, cleverly lobbing a volley over Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris after being put through by Marc Albrighton’s chipped pass.
Spurs responded with Moussa Sissoko and Dele Alli having chances to equalise but were dealt a crushing blow on the stroke of halftime when Mahrez cut in from the right and sent a spectacular dipping effort into the top corner.
Tottenham’s Argentine forward Erik Lamela came on for his first appearance in 13 months after injury and set up Harry Kane to smash home a late reply.
Fellow substitute Fernando Llorente then squandered a glorious late chance to level for the visitors but Leicester held on for their first home win over Spurs since 2002.
Elsewhere, Ashley Young scored two superb goals against his former club as Manchester United beat Watford 4-2 to trim Manchester City’s lead at the Premier League summit to five points.
England international Young netted twice in six first-half minutes with Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard also on target.
After two successive away defeats, it was a timely win for Jose Mourinho’s United, who visit Arsenal on Saturday, and gives City food for thought ahead of their meeting with Southampton tonight.
Young had seen his deflected match-winner against Brighton and Hove Albion chalked up as an own goal by Lewis Dunk, but there was no denying him his brace against the club where he made his name.
It was by no means a straightforward win, however, with substitute Troy Deeney and Abdoulaye Doucoure bringing Watford within sight of a famous comeback before Lingard’s fine solo goal settled matters. – AFP
Other results: Brighton 0 Crystal Palace 0, West Brom 2 Newcastle United 2.