James Maddison the main man at Sunday roasts – and in Tottenham’s humiliation of City

Spurs’ maverick midfielder bounces back from being dropped with stunning double to shock champions

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For a man who likes to be the “main man” at family roast dinners, it has been a quiet time for James Maddison recently. Hooked at half-time last month and on the bench more often than not since, he would have been on it again at the Etihad Stadium were Rodrigo Bentancur not banned for a racial slur aimed at his own captain.
However, like at the Toby Carvery, he cannot be starved of the limelight for too long, such is Maddison’s character. On his 28th birthday, he was centre stage in Tottenham’s stunning win at Manchester City with his two first-half goals; blows which the Premier League champions never recovered from.
It has been a long two weeks for Maddison during an international break when he was not called upon by Lee Carsley. The England interim manager had nine pull-outs when it seemed players were more interested in rest than Nations League promotion, yet Maddison was left waiting for the call.
Perhaps being overlooked for England played a part in his performance against City. He was fired up, energetic to the point of being manic in central midfield, before showing calmness when chances were presented to him in the penalty area. One crisp volley from Dejan Kulusevski’s cross, then a chipped finish when Son Heung-min sent him through.
“That’s a birthday I’ll look back on quite fondly. To come here to the champions and perform like that and get the result. You have to cherish these ones, they don’t come around often,” Maddison said afterwards.
“I thought we were brilliant. It was everything we wanted to show of a top Spurs team. We were clinical, we had cutting edge, we pressed at times. We weathered the storm, had grit and determination and scored four brilliant goals.”
Spurs fans chanted his name when he was subbed off late for a breather. They had been treated to his trademark darts celebration after he hit the bullseye with his first strike. He then joined in with a Mario Kart celebration for his team’s third, by Pedro Porro, in a nod to the computer game that he and team-mates play.
“He was outstanding. You have to be against City, and Madders was great,” said Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou. “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. If I’m not getting the maximum out of players it is self-reflection on me to what I can do.”
Maddison’s famous roast-dinner quote actually came while on England duty, at the start of last season after he had forced his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans having spent four years out of the picture.
Southgate starting him appeared to be a positive sign but he was not included in the final Euro 2024 squad and this season has been inconsistent, which Postecoglou says is a reflection of his team as much as the player.
It was against West Ham when he was taken off at half-time, which is a blow to the pride of any player. He was on the bench for Spurs’ previous two Premier League games and then watched the likes of Morgan Rogers overtake him in battle for England places. Maddison will be hoping Thomas Tuchel was watching his performance at City.
“He didn’t go away on international duty, the coaches worked really hard with him and I sensed he was ready for a big game,” added Postecoglou. “It wasn’t just his goals, he was really important in the build-up and defensively worked hard. I still think he has had a decent season but we want to be more than that. He hasn’t lowered his ambition or level of the player he wants to be.”
Maddison’s position helped against City. He was fairly deep in midfield, adding support to Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr but also breaking forward. As a child he was brought up on a diet of Paul Gascoigne clips on YouTube, fed to him by his father Gary. In that No 8 role he was involved in all parts of the game.
There is also that Gazza-like showmanship that Maddison embraces, quick to give it back to taunting fans or celebrate as he did at the Etihad.
“I feel good, I came out of the team for a couple of games. When you come out of the team as a senior player or leader people ask questions and point fingers, but I feel good, I never doubted myself,” Maddison said.
“I’m an attacking midfielder, I need to chip in with goals and assists but I haven’t been doing that this season.”
It is safe to say he will be the main man at Sunday dinner this weekend.
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