David Pleat’s men suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in FA Cup history earlier this month when they led 3-0 at home against 10-man Manchester City at half-time, only to lose 4-3.

Spurs were left embarrassed again as their shambolic defending allowed Leicester to come from behind with a man down and almost steal the points.

It meant that in Tottenham’s last four matches an incredible 28 goals have been scored.

The day started well enough as Spurs took a sixth-minute lead when goalkeeper Ian Walker helped Michael Brown’s 25-yard free-kick into his own net.

If that goal was bizarre, then the Leicester equaliser two minutes later was just as crazy. Walker’s long clearance reached the edge of the Spurs penalty area and when Gary Doherty inexplicably hooked the ball back towards his own goal, Kasey Keller could only help it into his own net.

At least there was some genuine quality about the way in which Spurs regained the lead after 13 minutes.

Simon Davies released Defoe on the right edge of the area and he guided a low drive inside the far post – making it three goals in three games since his transfer-window move from West Ham.

Spurs were handed a great chance to score their third after 25 minutes when Gerry Taggart was penalised for a backpass two yards inside his own 18-yard box as he tried to prevent Robbie Keane from pouncing.

Keane tapped the indirect free-kick to John Jackson and his fierce drive was charged down by Steve Guppy in the wall. The loose ball fell for Keane and he rammed it through a crowd of players to register his 50th Premiership goal and his eighth in the last nine games.

Former Spurs striker Les Ferdinand was celebrating after 50 minutes as Jackson slipped and he pounced on the edge of the box to bring Leicester back to 3-2.

There was an ugly flashpoint after 68 minutes as James Scowcroft went in high on Mauricio Taricco after the ball had gone. Referee Neale Barry had no hesitation in showing him the red card and reducing Leicester to 10 men.

The 10 men were inspired when three minutes later Ben Thatcher got in on the act against his former club as he met Guppy’s corner with a powerful downward header to level the scores.

Spurs then gifted Leicester a fourth goal after 77 minutes. Doherty’s backpass put Keller under pressure and substitute Marcus Bent pounced to score.

The drama continued as Ledley King crossed for Defoe to ram the ball home off the underside of the bar and rescue a point for Spurs.