By Martin Graham | seventeenth Feb 2025
James Maddison silenced his doubters by scoring the decisive objective in Tottenham’s 1-0 overcome Manchester United on Sunday. The attacking midfielder capitalized on a rebound after Andre Onana saved Lucas Bergvall’s shot, tapping the ball into the online to safe all three factors for his workforce.
Following his objective, Maddison celebrated with gestures symbolizing each talking and silencing, making his response to current criticism clear. He later defined his response in an interview with Sky Sports activities, saying, “There was some noise this week. Persons are entitled to their opinions, however I want to let my performances do the speaking. Hopefully, a couple of individuals loved seeing me because the match-winner immediately.”
Response to Roy Keane’s feedback
Within the days main as much as the match, former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane shared his doubts about Maddison’s affect at Spurs. Talking on The Overlap podcast, Keane remarked that Maddison “acquired relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs,” whereas acknowledging the midfielder’s expertise. Keane additional questioned Maddison’s skill to raise Tottenham’s standing within the league, suggesting that anticipating him to push the workforce into the highest six was unrealistic.
With out instantly naming Keane, Maddison acknowledged the exterior criticism, stating, “You do see it—it’s laborious to disregard, particularly when it comes from an enormous title. The supervisor advises us to close out the noise, however with social media and messages, it’s at all times there.”
First league objective since December
Maddison’s objective marked a return to the scoresheet within the Premier League after a prolonged absence as a consequence of harm. The 28-year-old had been sidelined since sustaining a calf downside throughout a Europa League conflict in opposition to Hoffenheim on January 23.
His strike in opposition to United took his tally to 10 targets throughout all competitions this season. Alongside his speaking and shushing celebrations, Maddison additionally carried out his signature darts throw gesture, additional showcasing his confidence as he returned to type for Spurs.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author
