Vardy Penalty Earns Point At Huddersfield
It proved to be an entertaining encounter in West Yorkshire and it was the hosts who first threatened through Laurent Depoitre – the striker nodding straight at Kasper Schmeichel in the City net.
Danny Simpson did well to put in two blocks shortly after, while Danny Williams sent an effort off target as Huddersfield continued to flow forward in the first period.
Three opportunities just before the break followed for City. Riyad Mahrez saw a free kick blocked by the wall, Kelechi Iheanacho – making his first start for the Club – had a strike blocked in the box and Jamie Vardy hooked wide on the stroke of half-time.
Goalless after 45 lively minutes, it took just seconds for David Wagner’s men to breach the City defence. Depoitre did well to get past his marker, before slotting in to put his side in front.
Just three minutes later, the Foxes were awarded a penalty. Andy King was brought down by Chris Lowe in the Huddersfield box and Vardy stepped up to take it. The England international front man sent Jonas Lossl the wrong way to score his fourth goal of the season.
After the hour mark, the hosts thought they had scored a second, but Elias Kachunga was flagged offside after nodding home from close range.
A golden chance for Vardy followed on 70 minutes, as Mahrez delivered to the back post. City’s No.9 was positioned well, but failed to make contact.
After substitute Collin Quaner had fired wide for the Terriers with five minutes to play, City had one final chance through Islam Slimani, who after making space 25 yards from goal, curled high and wide.
Key moment
Andy King came into the side to make his first Premier League start of the season and did not hesitate in getting forward if required.
The Club’s leading goalscorer from midfield earned an important penalty for the Foxes and it was Jamie Vardy who would convert from 12 yards.
It may prove to be a vital goal for City, who return to Leicester with a point after taking on a side that have lost just once so far this campaign.
Who impressed?
Jamie Vardy continues to deliver for Leicester City after netting his fourth goal in just five Premier League appearances this term.
The striker built on his fine early-season form by bagging a deserved penalty after Andy King was fouled in the area and with Liverpool next up, the Foxes will be delighted with how he performed against Huddersfield.
He could have had a second goal too, but was desperately unlucky not to turn in Riyad Mahrez’s cross with 20 minutes to play.
Where do we stand?
While Everton and Swansea City are yet to play this weekend, the Foxes’ draw at John Smith’s Stadium moves them up three places to 14th ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool at King Power Stadium next weekend.
Coming up…
A double-header against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool comes next for Craig Shakespeare’s men. The Reds make their way to King Power Stadium for a Round 3 Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday evening (7:45pm kick-off), before visting Filbert Way again on Saturday in the Premier League (5:30pm kick-off).