James Maddison was Tottenham’s standout hero against Man CIty at the weekend as his brace helped his side hand Pep Guardiola a career-first fifth consecutive defeat.
After the 4-0 drubbing of the Premier League champions, the England international discussed his heroics.
James Maddison talks about brace after running riot against Man City
After handing Man City a 4-0 drubbing, Tottenham midfielder James Maddison discussed his game with the club’s in-house media team.
“Different goals, in a way. I actually said to Kulu before the game… he hadn’t played on the wing as much, lately, so being left footed on the right wing, with his ability, I said when you cut in, I can make that run from that space, that pocket in midfield, and as I’m running from deep, it’s hard for the back line to pick me up.
“I’ve done it a few times this season from passes from Cuti Romero and deeper, where I make that run, but I’ve not actually scored. I’ve been getting chances, so I knew one would come soon. It was a brilliant ball in, I didn’t even have to break stride, so credit to Kulu.
“The second one, good link up with Sonny, I passed it to him and thought it would be cleverer to run around him rather than underneath him, which we do a quite a lot. I saw Kyle Walker quite high and found a tiny bit of space in the box, and just managed to execute a nice, delicate one over Ederson. I’m really happy with the two finishes. I always judge myself on goals and assists as an attacking player so, yes, happy.”
Maddison on his performance against City, as quoted by the official Tottenham media team.
Incidentally, Maddison also turned 28 on Saturday.
His overall tally for the season now stands at five goals and four assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.
Up next for Maddison and Spurs is a midweek UEFA Europa League fixture as they host Roma on Thursday.
A statement performance at the right time
Last week, we posited that Maddison needed to increase his off-ball industry. Against City, that was one of many things that were on display from the Englishman.
The weekend performance from Maddison was one Ange Postecoglou would be proud of—something he will keep coming back to to remind not only himself but Maddison too if his performances waver again.
All in all, this was a statement display from Spurs that should stay with them for the remainder of the season if they are to achieve something special.
