Sport
James Maddison makes St James’ Park claim after Newcastle United thrash Spurs
James Maddison has provided his verdict on Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Twelve months ago, Spurs lost 6-1 at St James’ Park and history threatened to repeat itself after two quick-fire goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon put the Magpies 2-0 at half-time.
A second goal from Isak and a late Fabian Schar header increased the scoreline. Maddison believes Newcastle’s goals in the 30th and 32nd minute gave Spurs a “mountain to climb”.
“Just a really bad day,” said the England international. “We conceded the first goal and when you conceded a second so quickly after at a place like this, from the kick-off we sloppily went back to the keeper knowing they’re going to press.
“You find yourself 2-0 down and give yourself a mountain to climb.”
He added: “I felt at 0-0 out there there were some chances for us, spaces to play. We just weren’t brave enough I think with the ball – too many safe passes, too many safe options, not enough courage to try and play a riskier pass.
“It was all a bit safe which I think cost us at 0-0. When you concede two so quickly it’s sloppy little details that cost us.”
Before kick-off, Newcastle sat eight in the Premier League table with Spurs in fourth. However, come full-time, United moved up sixth while the visitors dropped out of the top four on goal difference.
It was Tottenham’s heaviest defeat of the season in a blow to their Champions League qualification hopes. Newcastle, meanwhile, recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time since the beginning of December.
