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      Tottenham suffer major Europa League blow with key man suspended after getting red card two seasons ago

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      TOTTENHAM’S Europa League hopes have been hit by a long-delayed ban for a key defender.Cristian Romero will miss Spurs’ group opener against Qarabag on September 26 – due to being sent off in the Champions League TWO SEASONS ago.  Cristian Romero’s absence will further weaken Spurs options in defenceCredit: RexIt’s all because Romero saw red for two bookings on Tottenham’s last European game, a Champions League draw at home to AC Milan in March 2023Credit: RexUefa have confirmed that European bans can kick in as late as two years after an offence – which adds to headaches at the back for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Romero was sent off for two bookings in Spurs’ last European adventure, in March 2023.Having lost 1-0 away to AC Milan in the Champions League round-of-16, the Argentinian World Cup-winner’s woe then helped kill off their hopes in the second leg.Romero, now 26, earned his first yellow card after just 17 minutes of a poor Tottenham display.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd a reckless challenge on Theo Hernandez late on meant his second booking in a tame 0-0 draw.Spurs have been out of Europe since then, so it’s only now that Romero’s suspension comes into play.His absence at home to Azerbaijan Premier League side Qarabag later this month means Postecoglou could face selection problems at centre-back.Dutch centre-back  Micky van de Ven has been troubled by injury.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Postecoglou is confident the 23-year-old will be back by the end of September.He said: “Micky was close in training this week but with the international break he’s not quite 100 per cent.”Tottenham flop Steven Bergwijn signs for Saudi Arabian club Al-IttihadRadu Dragusin is Tottenham’s other main option in central defence.And if needed Ben Davies, usually a left-back, could switch inside.Spurs decided to leave right-back Djed Spence out of their 23-man Europa League squad. More

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      Meet Tottenham wonderkid Will Lankshear, 19, who has been compared with Harry Kane and released by bitter rivals Arsenal

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      JAMES MADDISON summed up just how much excitement there is at Tottenham over the club’s clutch of teenage talents right now.The England midfielder told assistant boss Matt Wells he “could not believe” how good they were earlier this summer.Will Lankshear scored for Tottenham against Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy in AugustCredit: RexLankshear was Premier League 2 player of the season last termCredit: RexLankshear chilling out on a night offCredit: https://www.instagram.com/will.lankshear/Striker Will Lankshear leads that group – which also includes 17-year-old wonderkid Mikey Moore.The centre-forward, 19, won the Premier League 2 player of the year last season and has impressed Ange Postecoglou so much in pre-season, there is a chance he could be in the first-team picture this term.HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?AN exciting, young English striker released by Arsenal and picked up by Tottenham – where have we heard that one before?Comparisons between Harry Kane and current Spurs starlet Lankshear are not hard to draw, and not just because of their similar path across North London at academy level.Read more football newsLankshear, 19, has echoes of Kane in his physique, his willingness to improve and his predatory instincts inside the penalty box.He has even celebrated scoring goals in a similar manner to the England captain, with that little jump and fist pump, although their all-round playing style differs.It goes without saying that no one in N17 is expecting Lankshear to emulate Kane’s historic feats – that would be ridiculous and unfair pressure to put on any young player.TELL US ABOUT HIS RISELankshear began his footballing journey in the Arsenal academy along with older brother Alex Lankshear, 21 and now of Blackpool.Most read in FootballYet the Gunners made the questionable decision to let Will go in the summer of 2021 – perhaps because of a change in academy manager at the time, with Per Mertesacker arriving – just as they did all those years ago with a nine-year-old Kane.Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starLankshear quickly shook off the disappointment and moved north to join Sheffield United.The Blades scouts had been tipped off that Arsenal were not going to offer a deal and invited Lankshear in on a trial, where he impressed with his attitude and work-rate.They agreed a scholarship contract in February 2021, with Lankshear valuing how the Yorkshire side had a track record of successfully moulding other physical centre-forwards such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin.Lankshear struck up a strong relationship with academy boss and former EFL striker Jack Lester, who regularly coached the forwards, including Daniel Jebbison and William Osula, now of Premier League pair Bournemouth and Newcastle respectively.Lankshear, 19, has echoes of Kane in his physique, his willingness to improve and his predatory instincts inside the penalty box.It was not long until he was training up with Paul Heckingbottom’s first team and it was in the Steel City where he honed his physical prowess, speed and agility.Lankshear hit a hat-trick on his Blades’ Under-18s debut in a 4-1 win over Coventry and ended up with more than 30 goals at that level.But when United encountered financial problems in the summer of 2022, they saw selling Lankshear as a chance to earn a quick return on a player that had cost them nothing.Tottenham got him in a deal that could rise to £2.5million if all clauses are met was the first time Spurs had spent big on a teenager from the EFL since prising Dele Alli from MK Dons in 2015.Lankshear was attracted to the world-class facilities at Spurs’ training ground and loved the idea of learning from record-scorer Kane, with whom he spent a season before the England captain’s move to Bayern Munich last August.Lankshear impressed for Tottenham in pre-seasonCredit: ReutersYet his first six months in N17 were spent on the sidelines after an operation on his knee.It meant that going into last season, all Lankshear was hoping for was an injury-free campaign – but he got so much more: ending up the Premier League 2 player of the season after his 21 goals and two assists in 22 games helped Spurs to the title.Tellingly about his character, Lankshear showed his team-mates with praise when interviewed in May about his gong.The youngster told Spurs’ website: “I’m proud of the goals I’ve scored but it’s all come from the team.“The quality we’ve got in this team has definitely helped me and definitely I wouldn’t have got my top goalscorer without my team-mates.”Lankshear could get more first-team opportunities this season given that there will be more fixtures – and scored in the EFL Trophy against Bristol Rovers last month.He damaged his hamstring in that match but is expected to be fit by the end of the international break.WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?Paul Heckingbottom coached Lankshear at Sheffield United.The 47-year-old told SunSport: “He was hungry. He was just what we were all about.“Jack Lester quickly picked up on his movement in and around the box and thinking like a goalscorer which I think is his biggest attribute.The way that Ange plays, having a No9 occupying centre-backs and trying to play on the shoulder and being good in the box is a big, big thing… Will can do thatPaul Heckingbottom“When we were coaching him and putting on a session for the centre-backs, him and his movement could destroy a session. His instincts constantly caused problems as a coach and as a defender.“The way that Ange plays, having a No9 occupying centre-backs and trying to play on the shoulder and being good in the box is a big, big thing. Will can do that.“He makes good runs off the shoulder and he’s all about being alert and alive in the box and finishing chances.“I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes out on loan and see him scoring goals in the EFL.”Can you name the famous fathers?WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz were ahead in the pecking when the players returned in July but Lankshear’s energy and cameo displays off the bench saw him supersede those two, who have since been loaned respectively to Oxford and Espanyol.Lankshear, who netted six goals in pre-season, could have been farmed out too, with Birmingham boss Chris Davies – Postecoglou’s No2 last season – keen to borrow him..But with Richarlison’s continuous injury problems – and the recent setback to £65million new-boy Dominic Solanke – Spurs have decided to keep him close for the first half of the season at least. Like whizkid team-mate Moore, Lankshear will be hoping for cameos here and there when back fit. His best chance of minutes will come in the cups and in the Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 19-year-old’s ability to find space in the box and finish, which he showed in pre-season goals against Hearts and Team K League, seems a good fit for Postecoglou’s attacking approach which carves out plenty of close-range opportunities for the central striker.He would likely have the support of his team-mates too, with Lankshear understood to have felt like he’s been accepted by the senior pros in the dressing room. More

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      Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1: Ange Postecoglou’s side made to rue missed chances as Alexander Isak bags late winner

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      ALEXANDER ISAK spared Nick Pope’s blushes as Newcastle continued their unbeaten start to the season.It was a rope-a-dope performance, but Eddie Howe will not care one bit as Ange Postecoglou’s decision to go for it was punished.Newcastle ace Harvey Barnes opened the scoring against TottenhamCredit: GettyTottenham equalised thanks to an own goal by Newcastle ace Dan BurnCredit: GettyBut Newcastle picked up the win thanks to a late winner by Alexander IsakCredit: AlamyTottenham were made to rue their countless missed chances against NewcastleCredit: RexThis fixture always promises goals, with the last goalless draw between these two coming in the 1970s, and it did not take long for this clash to burst into life.Two huge banners dominated the Gallowgate End prior to kick off to welcome the return of Sandro Tonali.However, the ‘Midfield maestro from Milano’ had to settle for a place on the bench for this one but that failed to put a dampener on things.Son Heung-min failed to clear a corner and was robbed by Isak, with the Swede chipping it towards the back post, only to see it clip the woodwork.Read More on FootballAnthony Gordon then cut inside Cristian Romero to find Harvey Barnes, but this time the winger’s bending effort whistled past the far post from 25 yards.But Toon’s momentum was halted after a break in play when injured referee assistant Ian Hussin was replaced by fourth official Darren Bond due to a thigh problem.That allowed Spurs to regroup, and Pape Matar Sarr forced Pope into a diving save from distance before another long-ranger went over.But Newcastle survived their spell on the backfoot to take the lead when Llyod Kelly ran down the left into the box and pulled it back into the middle for Barnes.Most read in FootballThe 26-year-old then showed superb technique as he opened up his body to place it on the volley into the far corner to send the home crowd wild.Tottenham tried to respond and put more pressure on the home defence but, much to Postecoglou’s frustration, his side could not create any clear-cut chances.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonSo it was Newcastle who held the advantage come the break, but Howe still had several concerns.Kelly’s name had gone into the book after retaliating to being nutmegged by Son by tugging at the South Korean’s shirt.And he was joined in there by Sean Longstaff and Joelinton, leaving all three walking a tightrope going into the second period.In an attempt to try and spice up his attack, Postecoglou replaced Sarr with Brennan Johnson, giving his team licence to go forward but leaving them open at the back.And they almost got caught twice before the equaliser, but the Spurs boss had Radu Dragusin to thank for keeping his side in it.Isak beat the offside trap to get in behind the defence and race through on goal as St James’ held its collective breath seconds after the restart.The Swedish striker had support but opted to go it alone, only to be denied as he pulled the trigger by a brilliant Dragusin sliding tackle.And it proved to be a vital moment as Spurs took complete control as Postecoglou’s bold decision to go for it paid dividends with Johnson at the heart of it.Not even the ardent Geordie could deny that it had been coming, especially after Pedro Porro had rattled the bar.James Maddison got the ball out left and cut inside just in the area to curl it towards the opposite bottom corner.Pope dived but could only palm it straight into the path of Johnson, and the Welsh forward rifled it back across the goalline past the despairing keeper as Dan Burn ended up blasting it into his own net as he tried to clear on the line.The England international will know he could do better, but he made amends by stopping Maddison and Porro later.Isak with the late winnerNewcastle were struggling to get out of their half as Bruno Guimaraes went into the book as frustrations threatened to boil over.Howe responded by replacing his goalscorer with Jacob Murphy, while Tonali made his Premier League return for Longstaff and Lewis Hall took over from Kelly.Murphy almost caught Spurs out after a rare attack only for Guglielmo Vicario to deny him at the near post.But it was Johnson’s introduction down the right for Tottenham that looked to have changed everything and he almost forced another own goal, only this time Bruno’s clearance trickled wide.Postecoglou smelt blood, and he went for it as Timo Werner came on for Wilson Odobert, but it would be his men that suffered a late knockout blow as their high-line was caught out.Joelinton spotted the defence high and threaded a perfect through ball for Murphy to dart through towards Vicario.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe sub powered forward towards the goalie before correctly deciding to slip it to his left ten yards out for the onrushing Isak to poke into the empty net.Spurs huffed and puffed for a way back, but after five nervous minutes of additional time, the whistle finally went to the relief of Howe.Tottenham huffed and puffed for a way back but Newcastle held on to their lead More

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      Europa League draw in full as Man Utd face Mourinho reunion and Tottenham handed tricky away ties in new format

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have discovered their fate in the new-look Europa League with the Red Devils pitted against former boss Jose Mourinho.The draw also produced two blockbuster Battle of Britains with both Man Utd and Spurs to face Rangers in the league phase.The new-look Europa League draw took place on FridayCredit: GettyManchester United qualified for the Europa League through winning the FA CupCredit: GettyTottenham are preparing for their first European campaign under Ange PostecoglouCredit: AlamyMan Utd will face former manager Jose Mourinho and ex-midfielder Fred when they head to FenerbahceCredit: Getty – ContributorErik ten Hag’s men will host the Scottish giants while Ange Postecoglou’s side travel to Glasgow.Follow SunSport’s live blog of the Europa League drawMan Utd will head to Mourinho’s Fenerbahce where ex-Red Devils midfielder Fred also plies his trade.Manchester United’s remaining fixtures will see them travel to Porto, Viktoria Plzen and Twente, as well as hosting PAOK, Bodo/Glimtand FCSB.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs face some tricky European away days as they prepare to head to Turkish giants Galatasaray and German side Hoffenheim.They also go to Hungary to play Ferencvaros.Tottenham will host Roma, AZ Alkmaar, Qarabag and Elfsborg.And Postecoglou, who managed Celtic before joining Spurs, joked he is expecting a “warm reception” from the Rangers fans when his side head north of the border.Most read in Europa LeagueHe said: “Exciting. It’s good to be a part of. Some good games.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew Europa League format explainedTHE Europa League has been given a revamp this season, with a whole new group-stage format.All 36 teams are in one big league.Each team will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.At the end of the league phase, the top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.The bottom 12 teams are eliminated from Europe entirely.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The knockout phase of the tournament remains the same as previous years.”I am sure I will get a warm reception at Ibrox and they’ll look forward to seeing me.”The competition will follow the same format as the new Champions League, with all 36 teams playing eight matches in the “league phase”.Fans in hysterics as they spot PSG president’s reaction to brutal Champions League draw on live TVThe top eight progress straight through to the last-16, with ninth to 24th going into a play-off round.The bottom eight teams are immediately eliminated.Another change means no Champions League sides will drop down into the Europa League this season.On Thursday, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa learned their Champions League fixtures.SunSport has a full breakdown of the fixture list for each of the English clubs here.Man Utd failed to earn European football through their Premier League position last season after they finished eighth.But their FA Cup triumph over Man City salvaged Europa League football for Ten Hag’s men.READ MORE SUN STORIESTottenham qualified for the Europa League by finishing fifth in the Premier League, two points adrift of the Champions League places.This year’s final will take place in Bilbao on May 21. More

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      What is Dominic Solanke’s TV-inspired goal celebration?

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      TOTTENHAM Hotspur’s latest signing Dominic Solanke is looking to bring a little culture to his goal celebrations this season.The 26-year-old professional footballer showcased his trademark stunt last season with his former team A.F.C Bournemouth. But what is the reason behind his quirky post-goal performance and why does he don a bright orange mask?Dominic Solanke is an English Premier League footballerCredit: GettyWho is Dominic Solanke?Dominic is an English Premier League footballer.Born on September 14, 1997, Dominic plays for Tottenham Hotspur.Dominic was born in Reading, Berkshire, to a Nigerian Yoruba father and an English mother.More on Dominic SolankeThe star began his football career in Chelsea’s youth academy, where he quickly stood out as a prolific goal scorer. He played a key role in helping Chelsea’s youth team win the UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup. After struggling to break into Chelsea’s first team, he joined Liverpool in 2017. In 2019, Dominic signed with Bournemouth, where he became a key player, helping them achieve promotion back to the Premier League.Most read in FootballIn August 2024, Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Dominic for £65 million on a six-year deal.What is Dominic Solanke’s goal celebration and what is the meaning behind it?Dominic’s mask celebration is a nod to the character Kakashi Hatake from the popular anime Naruto. He first performed this celebration on August 26, 2023, during Bournemouth’s 2-0 victory over Brentford. Awkward Dominic Solanke interview emerges as Tottenham close in on transfer for Bournemouth star After scoring, Dominic pulled out an orange mask, similar to the one worn in the Japanese manga series, and put it on briefly to celebrate. Unfortunately for him, the goal was later ruled out by VAR.Dominic has previously spoken about how much he loves anime.He told BBC’s Football Focus: “A lot of my friends watch it, so they were pressurising me to watch it, and at first, I wasn’t really into it.Dominic has said he’s inspired by the characters from the anime NarutoCredit: Getty”But then I watched Naruto first, and I just couldn’t stop watching it.”Dominic even acknowledged that anime has aided him in managing the mental aspects of the game.He said: “It’s so relentless. The characters just don’t give up, so it’s always nice to think back to those characters and what they’ve gone through and how hard they’ve worked.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHow many goals has Dominic Solanke scored for Tottenham?Dominic made his debut for Tottenham Hotspur on August 19, 2024Credit: GettyDominic made his debut for Tottenham Hotspur on August 19, 2024, in a Premier League match against Leicester City.He has not yet scored any goals for the North London team.The star joined Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in August 2024Credit: GettyChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Jamie O’Hara slams ‘bang out of order’ Guglielmo Vicario after Tottenham star’s behaviour towards debutant team-mate

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      JAMIE O’HARA has slammed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for his stoppage-time outburst during their 1-1 draw at Leicester.The Italian shot-stopper berated debutant Lucas Bergvall after the 18-year-old’s error forced Vicario into making a late save.Guglielmo Vicario gave debutant Lucas Bergvall a piece of his mindCredit: RexAfter the 18-year-old lgave the ball away and conceded a chanceCredit: RexLate substitute Bergvall lost the ball from deep in the 90th minute, allowing Leicester’s Wilfred N’didi to get a shot off at Vicario.After forcing a corner, Vicario, 27, sprinted towards the worried-looking youngster, pointing and waving his arms to give him an earful.And former Spurs midfielder O’Hara was left fuming with the “bang out of order” verbal tirade.O’Hara told Grosvenor Sport: “I really liked Lucas Bergvall when he came on, he was really bright and really comfortable on the ballREAD MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”He looked like James Maddison, the way he was drifting into pockets. He wanted the ball over the pitch and performed well.”I’m really annoyed with Guglielmo Vicario, because of the way he dug Bergvall out when he gave the ball away and conceded that chance. “Not one Spurs player was showing for it. The way he came out, all guns blazing, shouting at the young lad – that’s bang out of order!”Vicario is meant to be a leader, but he wasn’t shouting at Christian Romero when he left Jamie Vardy free in the six yard box for a free header.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I hated that as a player, and if it was me, I would’ve turned around to him and put him in his place. “Bergvall is going to be a top player for Tottenham. Vicario needs to sort himself out and not do that again because that is poor leadership.”Catfish and the Bottlemen announce concert at Tottenham Stadium Many Spurs fans were split by Vicario’s criticism, particularity towards such a young new arrival.Some thought his hairdryer treatment towards the teenager was unnecessary, while others felt he was showing the leadership skills needed for the Premier League.Jamie Vardy returned to the Premier League with a bangCredit: GettyBergvall joined Tottenham over the summer from Swedish side Djurgarden.The midfielder signed a five-year deal at the club after his £8.5million transfer was confirmed.Rubbish Romero O’Hara later added: “Romero for Leicester’s equaliser was awful!”Vardy is one of the most clinical strikers the Premier League has ever seen – he has eight opening game goals.”And Romero walks past him and gives Vardy space in the six-yard box with a free header! Come on, Romero is a World Cup winner, he needs to do better.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Vicario told The Athletic this summer: “I’m one of the oldest players in this group.”It’s just my second year, but I feel like I have more responsibilities than last season. It’s a big honour for me to have this opportunity to be with the young players more and to speak with them.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Leicester 1 Tottenham 1: Jamie Vardy earns Foxes point on Prem return aged 37 as Spurs fail to finish off new boys

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      SPURS supporters have waited all summer for the answer.Would Ange Postecoglou’s side return to the form which saw them storm to 10 games without defeat at the start of last season?It was a familiar sight as Vardy netted yet another goal against SpursCredit: RexAnd he celebrated in typical Vardy styleCredit: RexIt came after Porro opened the scoring in a dominant first-half for SpursCredit: GettyBentancur had to be stretchered off after a head injuryCredit: RexOr would they resemble the team who only scraped four wins in their last 11 fixtures to stumble across the finish line?In the end they were both!Brilliant during a devastating first 45 in which Pedro Porro headed them in front.Unsure of themselves and rattled after the break as Jamie Vardy became Leicester’s oldest ever Premier goalscorer aged 37!READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSteve Cooper may be a new Fox but he’s definitely an old Fox when it comes to management.He kept an ace up his sleeve for Postecoglou as he handed a shock start to the Leicester City legend – and how Vardy repaid his faith in him.The old boy had only managed half an hour of Leicester’s opening pre-season game against Villarreal before limping off injured.But significantly he managed to score in that brief appearance and Cooper was clearly banking on the veteran to prove he can still hack it at this level.Most read in FootballPorro opened the scoring in a dominant first-half for SpursCredit: AFPVardy clashed with Spurs fans and Cristian Romero when he was subbed offCredit: GettyBentancur was given oxygen on the pitchCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTurns out he can – even though he has been sidelined for weeks now as he recuperated!It was a huge ask but it showed why Cooper has yet to sign a back-up striker.What’s new this season? That’s exactly what Postecoglou did in the summer as he splashed £65million on Dominic Solanke to provide a cutting edge for Spurs. If ever there was a match made for strikers to impress in it was this one.This fixture has produced 128 goals in 34 Premier League meetings – historically the highest scoring average goals per game (3.76) of all Prem fixtures to have been played more than 20 times.  In Leicester’s last season in the Prem the two fixtures between the clubs produced 13 goals as Spurs won 6-2 on home soil while Leicester won 4-1 at the King Power.Spurs were clearly in the mood to maintain the trend as they carved out a string of excellent early chances as they blew the Foxes apart in a whirlwind start.Rodrigo Bentancur, who was later stretchered off after being knocked out briefly, thought he had made an early breakthrough when he powered in a header from a James Maddison corner after six minutes.However, despite beating Mads Hermansen the Foxes were rescued by a spectacular goaline clearance from Wilfried Ndidi, who acrobatically hooked the ball clear.Brennan Johnson then powered in a volley which Hermansen beat away.Spurs continued to surge forward and Solanke saw a diving header held by Hermansen before Cristian Romero flashed a header just wide.Tottenham’s aerial superiority was clear and Solanke had another header saved by Hermansen as the home side suffered a stormy return to the top flight.So it came as no surprise when Spurs took the high road again to snatch the lead just before the half hour mark.James Maddison yet again found an empty patch of turf to work his magic and curled in a teasing cross.Pedro Porro accepted the invitation and beat Bobby De Cordova-Reid to the ball, then left Hermansen helpless with a glancing header into the far corner of the net.It meant the Spaniard carried on where he had left off last season when he scored in Spurs 3-0 win at Sheffield United on the final day of the campaign.He must love Postecoglou’s freedom to roam as he constantly caused Leicester headaches popping up in the inside right channel.For his goal he was dead centre of goal – exactly where you would have expected Solanke to be.However as Spurs new striker had fluffed his two headers, no doubt he was grateful for the lesson in finishing. Maddison was at the heart of everything and he almost carved out a second when he shaped up to strike a free kick.Instead he flighted a perfect delivery to the back post where Brennan Johnson crashed a volley narrowly wide.The gulf in class by half-time was almost embarrassing as Spurs clocked up 22 touches inside the Leicester box, while the Foxes only had ONE inside the visitors’ penalty area.Even when Vardy scampered on to a long Wout Faes through ball Guglielmo Vicario raced yards out of his box to deny him with a diving header.But it is impossible to keep Vardy out of the headlines – the bigger the occasion, the bigger the response.Somehow he managed to haul Leicester off the ropes and back into this game with an equaliser just before the hour.Victor Kristiansen’s low cross just failed to pick out De Cordova-Reid but was recycled by Abdul Fatawu on the right.As Destiny Udogie stood off him, Fatawu sat up an inviting cross and Vardy appeared at the back post to head home.Cue bedlam!It may have been Vardy’s eighth goal on the opening day of a season – only Mo Salah has more – but he celebrated like a spring chicken! Who needs a pre-season when you can pop a couple of cans of Red Bull?Incredibly he could even have won it for Leicester.Decordova-Reid and Facundo Buonanotte combined and the Argentine sent Vardy sprinting clear of Porro.But Vicario dived to his left to brilliantly keep out his low shot to deny the veteran hitman.However the atmosphere changed completely when Bentancur took a sickening blow to the head following a mid-air clash with Leciester winger Abdul Fatawu.Medics rushed on to the pitch with the star knocked out, with players from both sides barely able to look.The game was delayed for six minutes before the Uruguayan midfielder, 27, was stretchered off, having been given oxygen on the same pitch where he had ruptured his ACL in February 2023.He was replaced by Archie Gray, who came on as the concussion sub.When play recommenced Postecoglou – who later confirmed that Bentancur appeared to have recovered and was talking again – made four changes while Cooper replaced Vardy with Stephy Mavididi.But Vardy made sure he gave the goading Spurs fans as good as he got – sending them a reminder of how many trophies he and they have won.Both sides came close to snatching all three points in stoppage time.Mavididi robbed Lucas Bergvall on the touchline, and it took a stunning reflex save from Vicario to keep out Ndidi’s netbound header.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Spurs sub Richarlison headed over from four yards following a Bergvall free kick.Clearly, the Brazilian is no Jamie Vardy! 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      Tottenham fans say ‘we move in silence’ as they pull off shock transfer for Burnley wonderkid Wilson Odobert

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      TOTTENHAM have confirmed the signing of Burnley’s Wilson Odobert.The 19-year-old winger has agreed a deal that will last until 2029 and he will wear the number 28 shirt for the Lilywhites.Odobert made 29 Premier League appearances for Burnley last seasonCredit: GettyOdobert made 29 appearances for Burnley in the Premier League last season.During his time in the Prem, Odobert scored three goals and laid on two assists for the Clarets.The Frenchman is comfortable playing off either wing and started Burnley’s Championship opener against Luton as a number 10.He is Tottenham’s fifth summer signing during a window that has focused on bringing in youth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOdobert, 19, joins three 18-year old signings in the form of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Yang-Min Hyeok.The club also broke their transfer record last week in a deal for Dominic Solanke which could rise to £65million.Odobert’s deal appeared to come out of the blue, with no rumours initially being reported of Spurs’ interest.That’s said to be sporting director Johan Lange’s preferred style, who prefers to complete transfers without anything leaking out of the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpurs fans reacted to the shock signing on X, with one fan saying: “LANGE MOVES IN SILENCE 😮”Another said: “Not a single rumour. One twitter account mentioned it about 15 mins ago. Wild.”Tottenham confirm £65m Dominic Solanke transfer with comic-style video as fans say ‘wow you absolutely cooked for once’A third reacted by saying: “Just when the doubters were knocking at the door of Tottenham HQ, Johan Lange drops an absolute masterclass in working in silence 😮‍💨”A fourth wrote: “Out of nowhere, this is how it should be!” More