James Maddison, the Tottenham Hotspur playmaker, said the team showed their fighting spirit by fighting back to draw 2-2 with Arsenal on Sunday, and that they’re getting rid of the “Spursy” label.
James Maddison, on loan from Leicester City until the end of the season, played a key role in Tottenham’s 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The 24-year-old striker, who joined the club in June, scored both of his team-mates’ goals, including the winner in stoppage time, as Spurs fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a point.
Maddison accused supporters and the media of making accusations that Spurs “caves in” under pressure. “When you hear people talking about Tottenham, it’s all about’soft’, ‘weak’, ‘bottle it’,’spursy’, and stuff like that,” he said. “I think what we’ve seen over the past couple of weeks is that we can be a bit different. We scored late in the game against Sheffield United, and we came back from 2-0 down to win. And now we’re 2-0 down against one of the world’s best teams and we’re fighting back.”
After scoring in each half and cancelling out Cristian Romero’s own goal and a penalty from Buka Saka, Son praised Tottenham’s “great character”.
“I thought we gave it our all until the end,” Son said. “It’s no secret that the derby is always emotional. It was important to come back at the end, and we showed great character. I thought Maddison was really brave.”
Both sides are unbeaten in the league this season, with Spurs holding fourth spot on goal difference after six games.
In a related development:
“So happy”- Ange Postecoglou praises ‘outstanding’ Tottenham superstar after Arsenal draw
Spurs boss Ange Postecou praises Son after his ‘genuinely fantastic’ performance against Arsenal
Spurs manager Ange Postecou paid tribute to his captain after Sunday’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
“Son Heung-min has really been a vital part of our team this season,” Postecoglou said. “He’s scored five goals in the Premier League so far this season and he’s been really influential for us.”
Postecoglou was referring to Son’s two goals in the second half of Sunday’s game, which saw Spurs stage two comebacks to draw 2-2. The South Korean striker scored twice to save his team’s bacon.
The veteran forward scored his first goal with a well-taken shot from close range, after James Maddison set him up for a neat finish in the bottom corner. He then provided another assist to set up Tottenham’s second goal at the end of the first half.
It is important to note that Son did not have his best of seasons last year. He has, however, achieved 50% of his total Premier League goals from the whole of the previous campaign.
Postecoglou said after Son’s performance against Arsenal that the striker is reminding everyone of his true quality with his ‘phenomenal’ performance.
“He’s been outstanding as a leader and as a player. His first thought is what’s best for the team and he puts himself into that position and then he has the quality to finish.”
“I’m so happy for him. When I talk about that great environment with the players, Sonny is leading that with Madders and Romero.”
Spurs are well on their way under new manager, and this game was their first real test in the wake of Harry Kane’s departure. They passed it with flying colours, though.
Son has been one of the best players to watch this season, and his manager deserves a lot of credit for bringing the Asian star to life.
He seems to be getting back into the swing of things, and his relationship with new signing, Maddison, has been the talk of the season.
