Ange Postecoglou’s role at Tottenham manager is under threat again after Spurs’ latest defeat in the Premier League as Leicester City won 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts started the match on the front foot and looked controlled despite plenty of space for Leicester to operate in the wide areas. Spurs scored the opener with a flying Pedro Porro picking out Richarlison in the box. The Brazilian nodded home for his second goal in as many games and sent the hosts into the break with a slim lead.
It wasn’t enough though as Leicester came flying out of the blocks in the second half. Just 58 seconds after the restart, Bobby De Cordova-Reid found Jamie Vardy in the area and the forward poked home the equaliser.
Less than three minutes later the visitors were ahead. They turned the ball over high up the pitch and sent it into the middle of Bilal El Khannouss. His low, curling effort beat Antonin Kinsky.
Despite a desire to score again Tottenham couldn’t find a way back into the match and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men secured a vital three points to lift them out of the relegation zone.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
Tottenham vs Leicester
- Tottenham defeated 2-1 by Leicester City in the Premier League
- 50' GOAL! El Khannouss adds second goal with fine finish (TOT 1-2 LEI)
- 46' GOAL! Vardy equalises 58 seconds after the restart (TOT 1-1 LEI)
- 33' GOAL! Richarlison nods Spurs into the lead (TOT 1-0 LEI)
- 15' SAVE! Stolarczyk denies Porro's long-ranged effort (TOT 0-0 LEI)
- 10' CHANCE! Ayew is fed the ball but his effort is blocked (TOT 0-0 LEI)
Tottenham Hotspur FC 1 - 2 Leicester City FC
Ruud van Nistelrooy, speaking to BBC Sport:
16:42 , Mike Jones"The winning feeling we share in the dressing room together, the football we tried to play, the goals we scored.
“In the end it is a dramatic 10 minutes where we had to survive, players were putting their heads in to block shots and were winning tackles. They wanted this, we needed it and they lived up to it today.
"This team stuck together and is doing everything they possibly can to succeed.
"It was an explosive start to the second half. I saw the team calm, they felt they were in the game and reacted very well.
"There is of course relief and celebration in the dressing room. We were really looking for this moment and it took a long time, so now we can enjoy this for a day or two then it is back to work.
"As I said on my arrival this will go right to the end."
Ange Postecoglou left with more questions than answers after defeat to Leicester
16:31 , Mike JonesTwo goals in four second-half minutes helped Leicester earn a first Premier League win since December 3 with a 2-1 victory at Tottenham to pile more pressure on Ange Postecoglou.
A weary Spurs had taken the lead after 33 minutes through Richarlison, but the Foxes, who had lost their previous seven matches in the division, levelled in the 46th-minute through captain Jamie Vardy.
Bilal El Khannouss made it 2-1 four minutes later with a fine 25-yard effort and with limited options on the bench due to the unavailability of 10 players, Postecoglou watched Tottenham suffer another defeat.
Ange Postecoglou left with more questions than answers after defeat to Leicester
More from Postecoglou:
16:25 , Mike Jones"When you're in this situation, they are trying as hard as they can and sometimes that doesn't give you he clarity in decision making.
“You can ask is for people to do as much as they can and from my perspective I see a group of players that are giving as much as they can. I know it will turn.
“We'll get some players back, we were short again today but in the next couple of weeks there's some really important players coming back that I know will help this group.
"We've not hit a ceiling. We've been going like this for two months. They put in an enormous performance on Thursday to make sure we're OK in Europe and they had to back it up today but there were probably at least two or three players that weren't at 100%.
"I'm a football manager and I get judged on results, that is the way of the world."
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou talking to Sky Sports:
16:20 , Mike Jones"Yeah, it hurts. It hurts a lot. The players gave everything again. We are going to look at a lot of things, but in terms of effort I can't ask anymore of this group, things just didn't go our way today. We created some good opportunities and unfortunately things just didn't drop for us because not because the players weren't trying and that's the main thing.
"The players are giving everything they can. That is all we can ask for as a football club and me as a manager. They are trying their hardest and that is all anyone can ask for.
"You can analyse the goals, they were disappointing goals for us to concede, but I thought we had enough chances in the game to come out on top.”
Can Leicester avoid relegation?
16:17 , Mike JonesJamie Vardy thinks so.
He said: “100% back every single one of them. We all know what is at stake.
“We want to play nice football but that was three points in the right direction and hopefully the start of a run.”
Jamie Vardy on victory over Spurs:
16:14 , Mike Jones“It is big, hopefully it stops the rot we have been in.
"We have been playing some decent football for probably half a game and it has let us down a bit. The lads there battled through for 90 minutes and it is credit too to the manager what he’s been doing on the training pitch.
“At times you want to be the team playing the nice football but at times during a game it is not on. We have all stuck together as a team. We knuckled down, stayed together and got the big win.
“As a striker you just want to score in every game and that is what I am trying to do."
Contrasting fortunes
16:11 , Mike Jones
Leicester end losing run
16:08 , Mike JonesLeicester’s victory over Spurs means they move out of the relegation zone.
They’ve also ended a losing run of seven-games in the league.
FT Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
16:05 , Mike JonesAnge Postecoglou’s role at Tottenham Hotspur manager is under threat again after Spurs’ latest defeat in the Premier League as Leicester won 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts started the match on the front foot and looked controlled despite plenty of space for Leicester to operate in the wide areas. Spurs scored the opener with a flying Pedro Porro picking out Richarlison in the box. The Brazilian nodded home for his second goal in as many games and sent the hosts into the break with a slim lead.
It wasn’t enough though as Leicester came flying out of the blocks in the second half. 58 seconds after the restart, Bobby De Cordova-Reid found Jamie Vardy in the area and the forward poked home the equaliser.
Less than three minutes later the visitors were ahead. They turned the ball over high up the pitch and sent it into the middle of Bilal El Khannouss. His low, curling effort beat Antonin Kinsky and put Leicester ahead.
Despite a desire to score again Tottenham couldn’t find a way back into the match and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men secured a vital three points to lift them out of the relegation zone.
Full-time! Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:58 , Mike Jones90+7 mins: There goes the final whistle!
Leicester have done it. Tottenham are beaten yet again and the pressure mounts on Ange Postecoglou.
The Foxes moves themselves out of the relegation zone with a vital three points.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:50 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Spurs are still trying to create something but there’s no ruthlessness in the final third.
Tottenham’s performance is reflective of their league position.
It’s not been easy for Ange Postecoglou to juggle all the injuries to his squad but another defeat must put his job at risk.
Yet, there’s still time to slavage something here. Can Spurs do it?
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:48 , Mike Jones90 mins: Ruud van Nistelrooy makes a double change for Leicester.
On come Conor Coady and Oliver Skipp to replace Jordan Ayew and Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
Seven minutes of added time to play.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:45 , Mike Jones87 mins: Patson Daka, fresh off the bench, goes for a run in behind the high Tottenham line.
The ball comes over the top as Leicester clear their lines but the forward is ruled offside.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:43 , Mike Jones84 mins: Sergio Reguilon whips a cross into the box but Stolarczyk flaps it away.
Son recycles the ball and finds Porro who shoots and picks out the goalkeeper.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:40 , Mike Jones81 mins: Inside the last 10 minutes now and Tottenham are still pushing for an equaliser.
Jakub Stolarczyk is booked for time-wasting having taken a long time to restart the game from goal kicks a handful of times already.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:35 , Mike Jones78 mins: Archie Gray has been one of the brighter sparks for Spurs.
He tries to get forward on a break but is clattered and taken out.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:33 , Mike Jones75 mins: Spurs are trying to force the issue now. They seem the more likely side to score as Leicester attempt to weather this storm.
There have been occassions for Spurs this season when their constant pressure at the other end of the pitch leaves them vulnerable to a counter attack.
Can Leicester capitalise and score again?
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:30 , Mike Jones72 mins: Close!
Radu Dragusin goes up the pitch for Spurs and leaps in the box when the ball comes in from the right.
He meets the ball with a decent header but turns it over the crossbar.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:27 , Mike Jones69 mins: Son makes a run into the box as the ball is flicked over the top.
The pass is too far away from the Spurs forward though and Leicester’s goalkeeper scoops up possession.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:24 , Mike Jones66 mins: Son drives the ball down the left side of the pitch for Spurs then slips it into the box for Archie Gray.
Gray looks to shifts the ball onto his right foot but runs out of space and Leicester get the tackle in.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:20 , Mike Jones63 mins: James Justin clatters into Son who is trying to bring the ball under control.
It’s clumsy but Justin does get a bit of the ball first. In any case the referee books the Leicester defender and De Cordova-Reid joins him in the book for arguing the decision with the referee.
The resultant free kick is taken by Pedro Porro who drills his effort right onto the crossbar!
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:18 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium and the hosts are in need of a spark.
Son delivers a corner into the box but Vestergaard heads the ball away.
Spurs recover possession and look to build another attack.
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:14 , Mike Jones56 mins: Ange Postecoglou’s changes see Pape Matar Sarr and Richarlison hooked off the pitch with Moore and Reguilon brought on.
As it stands Leicester are moving out of the relegation zone. Can they go on to claim the three points?
Tottenham 1-2 Leicester
15:12 , Mike Jones53 mins: Sergio Reguilon and Mikey Moore are getting ready to come on for Spurs.
Tottenham are so porous at the back that Leicester must feel there are more goals to come here.
The Foxes are enjoying themselves.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-2 Leicester (Bilal El Khannouss, 50')
15:10 , Mike JonesAnother one!
Leicester turn the ball over deep in Tottenham’s half and drive at the defence.
The ball comes into the middle where Bilal El Khannouss takes over possession. The defender drop away from him and he decides to curl a low effort towards the bottom right corner.
Antonin Kinsky leaps across but can’t get there. Leicester take the lead!
GOAL! Tottenham 1-1 Leicester (Jamie Vardy, 46')
15:06 , Mike JonesWhat a start!
Pedro Porro mistimes a tackle and space opens up behind the right-back.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid collects the ball and drives into it.
He sends a low cross into the penalty area and finds Jamie Vardy who touches the ball towards goal.
He tangles up with the goalkeeper but ball rolls underneath Antonin Kinsky and gives Leicester the equaliser.
Second half! Tottenham 1-0 Leicester
15:04 , Mike JonesAnge Postecoglou is engaged in conversation with his staff as Leicester get the ball rolling for the second half.
If Spurs don’t see out this match there’ll be big questions to ask about the manager’s position.
Let’s see how it all plays out.
HT Tottenham 1-0 Leicester
15:00 , Mike JonesTottenham have lost five of their last six Premier League matches, drawing the other one.
They have suffered 12 defeats in their first 22 league games of a season for the first time since 1997-98.
HT Tottenham 1-0 Leicester
14:56 , Mike JonesIn the other Premier League 2pm kick off Crystal Palace and Brentford are stuck in a 0-0 stalemate after the first half.
The contest at Selhurst Park is fairly equal with both teams creating a handful of chances but no goals.
HT Tottenham 1-0 Leicester
14:52 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Tottenham 1-0 Leicester
14:48 , Mike Jones45+1 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
The hosts have gotten themselves into the lead but will need to hold onto it to ease some pressure on Ange Postecoglou.
Can they secure the three points after the break?
Tottenham 1-0 Leicester
14:44 , Mike Jones42 mins: Porro darts in behind the Leicester defence and brings down a long ball.
He has a glance into the box and there’s no one around so he decides to go for goal.
He shoots and pings the effort into the side netting.
Tottenham 1-0 Leicester
14:41 , Mike Jones39 mins: Another corner for Leicester.
This one is floated over towards the back post where Wout Faes rises to meet it.
He gets a decent head to the ball but lifts it over the crossbar.
Tottenham 1-0 Leicester
14:38 , Mike Jones36 mins: James Justin takes a shot from the edge of the box and his effort is deflected behind for a corner.
The corner ball comes into the middle and Richarlison leaps up to head the ball away once more.
Decent response to the goal from Leicester.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Leicester (Richarlison, 33')
14:35 , Mike JonesTottenham strike first!
Pedro Porro gets forward on the right wing and hooks a cross ino the box.
Richarlison spins away from Wout Faes and darts past James Justin.
He meets the ball in the air and nods it into the back of the net.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:34 , Mike Jones30 mins: Dejan Kulusevski pumps the ball up to Richarlison but the Brazilian is caught offside again.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:29 , Mike Jones27 mins: There hasn’t been much attacking flow from Spurs but they’ve had a few moments in this game.
Son recovers the ball and gives it to Gray who is sandwiched between two defenders and loses possession.
Leicester break quickly and send the ball up to Jamie Vardy. The forward sweeps down the right and lifts a cross into the area only for Antonin Kinsky to pluck the ball out of the air.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:28 , Mike Jones24 mins: There’s a lot of space over on Tottenham’s right side and Leicester are targeting that to come forward.
Pedro Porro looks to shield the ball but is pushed over by Victor Kristiansen.
Spurs win a free kick.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:22 , Mike Jones21 mins: Richarlison makes a run in behind and collects a pass that comes over the top.
He drops into the box and shoots. Stolarczyk makes another sharp save but the offside flag goes up anyway.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:20 , Mike Jones18 mins: Son Heung-Min takes a shot at goal from the edge of the box. It’s low and bobbly and heading for goal.
The Leicester goalkeeper drops to the left and pushes it wide of the target.
From the resultant corner Leicester manage to clear without a whole lot of trouble.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:17 , Mike Jones15 mins: SAVE!
Jakub Stolarczyk keeps Leicester in this contest with a sharp stop.
Archie Gray sweeps a pass into the box from the left and finds Lucas Bergvall. He pokes the ball to the edge of the box to Pedro Porro.
Porro runs onto the ball and strikes it first time. He connects with it well and almost scores only for Stolarczyk to palm the ball behind.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:12 , Mike Jones12 mins: Close!
Leicester sweep forward after a storming run from Victor Kristiansen.
The defender hooks a pass back into the middle of the box where Jordan Ayew arrives.
He shoots first time but his effort is blocked and cleared by the Tottenham centre-backs.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:10 , Mike Jones9 mins: Son takes the free kick and lifts the ball into the far side of the box.
Jakub Stolarczyk comes out and slaps the ball away from the back post.
That’s a decent clearance.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:08 , Mike Jones6 mins: Spurs send a cross into the box from the right side of the pitch but it gets dealt with by Yannik Vestergaard.
Tottenham come again and attack from the left side this time.
Heung-Min Son and Archie Gray combine on the wing with Gray looking to nip around James Justin. The Leicester defender grapples with him then brings Gray down for a free kick.
Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:04 , Mike Jones3 mins: Both managers are under pressure today and will be given a boost if they can win.
Spurs give the ball away easily as Bilal El Khannouss nips forward and takes possession after a loose pass.
He feeds to ball to Jamie Vardy who slips it into the right side of the box for Jordan Ayew.
Ayew runs at Archie Gray but can’t find enough space to get off a shot.
Kick off! Tottenham 0-0 Leicester
14:02 , Mike JonesSpurs get the ball rolling in London with the cheers of the home supporters echoing around the stadium.
The ball is worked over to the left and punted down the wing.
Leicester turn over possession and boot it long with Antonin Kinsky collecting the ball.
Tottenham vs Leicester
13:55 , Mike JonesHere come the teams.
There’s no James Maddison for Spurs today as he’s been excluded from the squad by Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham are in desperate need of a win and hope to sweep past Leicester who hope to move themselves out of the relegation zone.
Kick off is up next...
Closing in on kick-off
13:50 , Will CastleJust under 10 minutes until we get things kicked off here at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Both Spurs and Leicester are in dire need of a positive result as they look to turn a corner in what has been an equally dismal season for both so far.
Stay right here for all the action.
Postecoglou hails his young stars for stepping up
13:45 , Will CastleArchie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have repeatedly stepped up for Spurs in recent weeks, filling in all over as injury woes continue to plague the squad.
“They’ve been fronting up and are doing the best for their club and I think they all sense the opportunity,” the 59-year-old reflected.
“We’re deep in one competition, we’re in the knock-out stages of another and further along in the FA Cup.
“It’s not like it’s just the league and we have to get some results in the league to brighten us up. We need to get some results in the league because where we are is unacceptable, but there is still plenty to play for and it’s exciting.
“I think they all sense that as well and they want us to get through this period so we can tackle the exciting part of the season in the best shape possible.”
Andoni Iraola interview: The reluctant coach leading a post-Pep tactical revolution
13:40 , Will CastleAndoni Iraola interview: The reluctant coach leading a post-Pep tactical revolution
Bournemouth face Nottingham Forest this afternoon in a meeting of two of the Premier League’s success stories. This week, Miguel Delaney went down to the south coast to meet the man at the heart of a tactical revolution - and find out what makes Andoni Iraola tick:
Andoni Iraola: The reluctant coach leading a post-Pep tactical revolution
Both managers calling for winter reinforcements
13:30 , Will CastleBoth Ange Postecoglou and Ruud van Nistelrooy have been vocal about their desire to bolster their respective squads going into the second half of the season.
Having seen his Tottenham squad plagued by fitness woes, Postecoglou said: “This playing group needs help, there’s no doubt about that.
“We’re sort of playing with fire by not bringing anyone in, but the flip side of that is the club is trying to change that situation.”
Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy has indicated that Leicester are in need of further reinforcements as they look to alter their fate and escape relegation back to the Championship.
When asked about Woyo Coulibaly's signing, Van Nistelrooy responded: “It's a good start,” with the clear inference it shouldn't be the end of the spending.
Van Nistelrooy insists Leicester can stay up this season
13:28 , Mike JonesLeicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said: "We are trying to achieve something. Today is a new game.
“We prepared ourselves, we are motivated, we are eager to start and to prove what we can do. We showed it - also in the seven losses (in a row) - the levels we can reach but it's consistency.
“That is the motivation. We are in a situation that we can still get out of and we are motivated to achieve that."
Is this do or die for Ange?
13:15 , Will CastleAnge Postecoglou hasn’t had it easy in North London this season and goes into today’s clash against Leicester under immense pressure.
Hampered by Tottenham’s unrelenting injury crisis, his side has plummeted to 15th in the Premier League – amid a run of five defeats from their last six fixtures in the division.
Another disappointing result against a struggling Foxes side this afternoon could be the final nail in the coffin for the Aussie boss.
James Maddison not in squad to face former club
12:53 , Jamie BraidwoodJames Maddison is not in the Tottenham squad and will play no part against his former side, that’s despite returning to goalscoring form against Hoffenheim in midweek.
Not sure yet if Maddison is injured but it comes after Ange Postecoglou talked up the England international following the win over Hoffenheim in midweek.
Postecoglou said: “Madders was great, I think he enjoys having that responsibility.
“Again, it’s been a gripe for him as well, because with the team and the way it’s going at the moment, he’s another one I have tried to manage as best as I can, (rather than) him play every game.
“Creative players are always better when they are fresh. He’s still churning out really good performances. Against Everton (3-2 loss) he was really disappointed but he worked his socks off. It wasn’t for the want of trying.
“With Madders, it’s always moments. The moments (against Hoffenheim) – he was clinical. Against Everton, maybe there were moments when he wasn’t as clinical but that could be just because of the fatigue he feels.
“He’s another one that is pushing through. He is not making excuses, he’s taking on that responsibility.”
Odds for today's clash
12:50 , Will CastleTottenham win 9/20
Draw 17/4
Leicester win 17/4
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Confirmed line-ups
12:49 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Davies; Bergvall, Bentancur, Sarr; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son.
Leicester XI: Stolarczyk; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Winks, Soumare; Ayew, El Khannouss, De Cordova-Reid; Vardy.
Leicester team news
12:30 , Will CastleLong-term absentees Ricardo Pereira and Wilfred Ndidi remain out, while goalkeeper Mads Hermansen is still a few weeks from returning.
New signing Woyo Coulibaly could make his debut for the Foxes.
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Tottenham team news
12:15 , Will CastleTottenham’s injury crisis has deepened with Dominic Solanke ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury.
There are also concerns over the fitness of Spurs trio Djed Spence, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma.
It leaves Ange Postecoglou with a skeleton squad, though Cristian Romero is nearing a return.
Why is Tottenham vs Leicester not on TV?
12:00 , Will CastleToday’s contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will not be shown live on TV in the United Kingdom having not been selected for coverage, with Sky Sports showing Crystal Palace vs Brentford in the 2pm timeslot.
Extended highlights will be shown on Match of the Day 2, which airs at 10.30pm GMT on BBC One.
Tottenham vs Leicester
Friday 24 January 2025 18:01 , Jack RathbornGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Tottenham vs Leicester in the early offering in the Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs look to build on a thrilling midweek Europa League win over Hoffenheim, while the Foxes hope to snap a run of seven successive Premier League defeats and capitalise on a midweek rest before the trip to north London.
Follow all the latest updates, team news and build-up ahead of this afternoon’s 2pm GMT kick-off.
