It looked like Leicester City was on its way to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, but an 88th minute penalty decision gave Tottenham Hotspur a chance to grab a 2-2 draw, forcing a replay between the sides at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Leicester City defender Nathan Dyer was judged to have handled the ball in the penalty box while defending Danny Rose, and Robert Madley pointed to the spot. Harry Kane stepped up and drilled an emphatic penalty to secure the replay for the hosts.
Foxes’ manager Claudio Ranieri refused to be drawn into the controversy after the match:
CLAUDIO: “I thought we deserved to win. I didn’t see the penalty, but if the referee gives it, it’s a penalty.” #TotLei
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 10, 2016
There was plenty of drama before the closing minutes, as the two Premier League clubs traded blows.
Christian Eriksen started the scoring in the eighth minute, when a Son Heung-min shot was parried by Kasper Schmeichel into the path of his fellow Dane, who slotted it home in the bottom corner for the 1-0 lead.
Marcin Wasilewski pulled the Foxes level in the 19th minute, when he slammed home a lovely corner from Demarai Gray with a thumping header:
Shingi Okazaki, a halftime substitute, made a quick impact for Leicester City, finding a goal after a driving run at Tottenham keeper Michel Vorm, who stopped Okazaki’s first shot, but not his second:
There was more drama yet to come, as Nathan Dyer was whistled for a handball in the box while defending Danny Rose. It was a controversial call. Have a look for yourself:
Spurs’ striker Harry Kane, a second-half substitute, stepped to the spot and hammered home the penalty — his 50th goal for the club in 104 appearances:
The two teams will meet again at White Hart Lane on Wednesday as Premier League play resumes.
