Maddison dropped as Spurs slump continues at Stamford Bridge

Stamford Bridge proved to be a wake-up call for both Tottenham Hotspur and James Maddison. Spurs incurred their third defeat on the trot as they failed to accumulate three points against Mauricio Pochettino’s struggling Chelsea side.

James Maddison has enjoyed a brilliant start to life in North London following his move from Leicester City last summer. The 27-year-old took the league by storm with three goals and five assists in his first 11 league appearances of the season, donning the Spurs badge, which also earned him a call-up to England.

However, his campaign was derailed in November after Maddison picked up an ankle injury in the reverse fixture against Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This proved to be a massive knock for the player and the club alike. 

Since making a return from his spell on the sidelines in January, James Maddison has struggled to replicate his initial highs and has contributed to only three goals since. The frustrations among the Spurs faithful blew off the roof following his largely anonymous performance against Arsenal in the all-important North London Derby last weekend. 

This had repercussions, as the 27-year-old was dropped to the bench, paving the way for Pierre-Emile Højbjerg as Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou made five changes to his side. This comes as a well-deserved start for the Dane midfielder, who has been exemplary every time he has taken the field for Spurs this season, while for Maddison, it was a bold call by the Tottenham boss but definitely the right one following his recent performances. 

Maddison’s stumbles and Spurs’ struggles collide

The Tottenham boss was quizzed about benching Maddison in his post-match press conference, where he intended it to be due to getting some fresh legs in the midfield. Ange, via. Football. London, replied:

“I thought we needed to freshen up the team. I thought we needed some legs today, as they’ve obviously got a real mobile and quick front three or four, and I just felt we needed some legs in the midfield. With Biss and Pape coming in and Deki, I thought it would help us. It’s fair to say it didn’t work, though.”

More Tottenham Hotspur News

• Tottenham are in ‘regular dialogue’ to sign 26-year-old PL ace who will be a free agent in the summer.
• Spurs are willing to meet €40m asking price of 24-year-old Serie A ace.
• Ange Postecoglou takes the blame for ‘poor’ Tottenham display in Chelsea clash.

Hopefully, this comes as a wake-up call for James Madison and he finds his start-of-season touch once again.