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| ReutersYonhap News |
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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'Leicester City Legend' Jamie Vardy (37) killed Tottenham twice.
Vardy, Leicester's surprise English Premier League (EPL) winner in 2016, led Leicester's promotion last season and returned to the familiar EPL stage at the age of 37. Vardy's return match is against Tottenham led by Son Heung-min. The two teams clashed in the first round of the EPL in the 2024-2025 season at King Power Stadium in Leicester, England on the 20th (Korea time).
Standing on the other side of Son Heung-min, who started as a left striker, led the team to a 1-1 draw in the 12th minute of the second half when Pedro Porro's first goal led the team to an equalizer in the 29th minute. He connected the right cross with a sensational header in front of the gate. Tottenham goalkeeper Guillermo Vicario threw himself, but he couldn't hit the ball.
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It was a goal that marked Vardy's spectacular return. He scored his eighth personal goal in the EPL opening game and eight goals against Tottenham, showing off his strong side to the opening game and Tottenham. His total EPL record is 137 goals (15th in all time) in 308 games. He has 17 more goals than Son Heung-min (120 goals), who tied for 22nd. In his 30s, he scored 103 goals, more than anyone else.
As a player known for his usual outspoken actions and remarks, he did not normally retreat to the bench. In the 34th minute of the second half, he was replaced by Steph Mabidi, and he hit an away fan of Tottenham. The EPL patch embedded in the arm area of the uniform was first stamped with the index finger, and then '1' was made with the finger. Then he took a picture of the stands (the away seat of Tottenham) with his finger and made '0' with his finger.
It is a gesture that can be interpreted as "When we (Leicester) win EPL 1 time, you are 0 (irrelevant)". It's a brutal factual attack against Tottenham, which has no EPL championship. The last time Tottenham won the top league in England was in 1961, 63 years ago.
Vardy also had a war of words with Tottenham players such as defender Christian Romero as he walked to the bench. The scene of swearing that begins with 'F' was captured on the broadcast screen.
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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Tottenham, who had been building expectations for a second season under manager Engie Postecoglou in the new season, only scored one point in the opening match. Postecoglou had expressed confidence that `Usually I won the second season.' The defender scored only one goal for 90 minutes after leading the game with a 70.7% possession rate, 15-7 shooters, 13-2 corner kicks.
Son Heung-min, who returned to his original position as a left striker with the recruitment of striker Dominic Solanke, also played an opening game full of disappointment. He was actively on the ground for 92 minutes until he was replaced by Hishalisson in the second half of extra time, but failed to create a threatening scene. He only recorded one invalid shot, four dribbles, an 87% pass success rate, and two key passes.
For Tottenham, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was taken to hospital after being seriously injured during the game, leaving more to be lost than he gained.
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
