James Maddison issues scathing Tottenham verdict as relegation battle goes to final day
Tottenham missed the chance to secure their Premier League status on Tuesday by suffering a 2-1 loss against Chelsea, a result which gives West Ham a glimmer of hope
James Maddison gave an honest assessment(Image: Sky Sports)
James Maddison admits it’s ’embarrassing’ that Tottenham will go into the final day of the Premier League season with a chance of being relegated. Spurs could’ve ensured their survival away to London rivals Chelsea on Tuesday but suffered a 2-1 loss.
Tottenham will go into Sunday’s home game against Everton two points above West Ham, who occupy the only remaining relegation spot. Their vastly superior goal difference means that a draw should be enough for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, but there’s sure to be nerves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
West Ham, meanwhile, host a Leeds side with nothing to play for. That’s in contrast to Everton, who are battling to finish in the European places.
Maddison made his only second appearance since returning from nine-month spell on the sidelines against Chelsea, and spoke to Sky Sports post-match. “We’ve got to give everything for this club, for the badge and for our fans.,” the midfielder explained.
WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football’s greatest tournament – Buy the Special Edition today
READ MORE: Man Utd join Liverpool and Chelsea in race for Jarrod Bowen amid £100m West Ham fire saleREAD MORE: Premier League relegation state of play as Tottenham and West Ham battles goes to last day
“It is unacceptable and a little bit embarrassing that we’re in this position as Tottenham Hotspur but it’s the reality unfortunately and it’s up to us to get out of it.
“Sunday is going to be a big day. We’re going to need everyone, we’re going to need our fans who were absolutely unbelievable today by the way.
“Even at 2-0 down you could just hear them and I genuinely think we’ve got the best away support in the league. We need to repay them with a good performance and some points on Sunday to secure Premier League survival.”
Maddison was restricted to just half an hour of action as he continues to build up his fitness, having suffered a serious knee injury during pre-season. “Anyone who has worked in football or has been through this injury, it is not as easy just to drop back in,” the 29-year-old explained.
Who’ll be relegated – Tottenham or West Ham? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
“It would be catastrophic for my career if something was to happen and we weren’t safe or if we didn’t follow the protocols from the specialist, but obviously I want to help the team as much as I can so let’s see where we get to.”
Maddison added: “Obviously I’ve been out for a long time so I’m not going to be at my fluid and fluent best, but I feel good and I’ve just got to try and help the team with whatever many minutes I can.
“I’ve obviously had a massive injury, so it’s one of them you have to respect the injury a little bit and that’s probably why I am not starting games, but I’ve been out for a little while and I am going to do what I can on Sunday.
“I did tonight, it wasn’t enough but we’ve got to keep trying and keep battling for our fans.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
