Statement wins don’t come much bolder than 4-0 away wins over the Premier League champions. Indeed, Tottenham Hotspur’s thumping of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was a result that made plenty around English soccer sit up and take note. Even with City struggling so badly right now, Spurs made a profound impact.
James Maddison scored the first two goals in the 4-0 victory, marking his return to the Tottenham lineup after a match on the bench against Ipswich Town. The 28-year-old has faced questions over his future at the North London club recently, but was back to his sparkling best as Spurs dismantled the champions.
There is no doubting Maddison’s ability as a midfield creator. He is inventive with the ball at his feet and carries a goal threat, as demonstrated by the brace he bagged at the Etihad Stadium. Despite this, Maddison has been something of a luxury player for Tottenham in the past. He hasn’t always offered enough defensive fibre for Ange Postecoglou’s system.
Against Manchester City, though, Maddison offered plenty on both sides of the ball. He worked back and stopped the Premier League champions from playing through Tottenham. If Spurs can reintegrate the midfielder it signed from Leicester City for £40m last year, it could take the North London side to the next level.
“[Maddison] was outstanding,” said Postecoglou after the win over Manchester City. “You have to be against City, and Madders was great. He’s gone through a lean spell but I never doubted his ability. I thought the kind of game we were expecting would suit him. I thought we'd need his ability to keep the ball in tight midfield areas. I take it personally on myself if players aren't reaching their level, that’s on me to get him back up there.”
This season has been a peculiar one for Tottenham. While Postecoglou and his players have enjoyed impressive wins over Aston Villa, Manchester City and Manchester United, they have also lost to relegation-threatened Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. Consistency has so far evaded the North London outfit.
If, however, Maddison can give Spurs an extra dimension in the centre of the pitch, there is still time for this season to turn into a successful one. Tottenham could clamber into the top four places in the Premier League table. Saturday’s away win over Manchester City hinted at the team Tottenham could become.