James Maddison is desperate to help Tottenham beat Arsenal in the North London Derby
Tottenham Hotspur hosting Arsenal for the North London derby promises to be an exciting clash between two great rivals.
Both teams come into the game off the back of disappointing results before the international break and will look to pip one another for three points. Tottenham, in particular, were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park despite playing very well. So, Ange Postecoglou and his lads had all the reasons to be disappointed after the game.
Spurs star James Maddison has been speaking ahead of the titanic clash in the Premier League. The 27-year-old arrived at the North London club from Leicester City last summer and quickly became an important cog in Ange Postecoglou’s side.
He started the 2023/24 season extremely well and established himself as the team’s creator-in-chief. However, James Maddison suffered an ankle injury which sidelined him for up to three months. The creative midfielder returned from injury but failed to put in consistent displays, costing him a spot in the England squad for the Euro 2024.
-> Tottenham Hotspur confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Despite spending months on the sidelines, he ended up with four goals and nine assists in 28 Premier League appearances in his debut season at Spurs.
Spurs drew 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium but were beaten 3-2 by Arsenal in their backyard last season. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Maddison says his team are looking forward to the North London derby and ‘hungry’ to get a result on Sunday.
“We all said it was a bit of a disappointing result in the derby at home last year. So, we will be looking to put right a few wrongs there,” Maddison told Sky Sports.
“We know what it means to our supporters which is the main thing I think. When I joined the club, I got the feeling straight away of what it means in such a big game for our fans, and normally that’s what we want to do and that’s what we want to be successful for our supporters.
“So, really looking forward to it. Hungry, hungry to get a good result and yeah bring it on!”
Form usually goes out of the window in North London derbies, which often produce mouthwatering encounters. With Arsenal missing bit-hitters Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, Big Ange and Spurs will be smelling blood from the first whistle of the game. Our gaffer will expect a rousing response from his boys after the defeat to Newcastle, and the onus will be on us to take the game to the Gunners.
Maddison will have a crucial role to play in the contest. Without Rice and Odegaard in Arsenal’s engine room, the England international will look to take the game by the scruff of its neck and help Spurs control the flow of the game. With his dynamism, flair and incisiveness, he will try to cause problems for the visitors and unlock their rigid defence.
-> Tottenham’s 5 best PL opening day wins
A big performance is expected from the £170,000-per-week star, as Spurs aim to beat Arsenal and lay down an early marker in the season.
