Move over Madders: 9/10 hero who won 100% ground duels just had his best game for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur’s ability to continually reshape their narrative remains a hallmark of their unpredictable identity in the Premier League.
Under Ange Postecoglou, they have oscillated between vulnerability and brilliance, making them a puzzling case for even the sharpest analysts. When Spurs are at their best, they become a formidable force, as Manchester City discovered during a stunning 4-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on a gloomy Saturday evening.
The performance showcased Postecoglou’s tactical acumen as he led his side to another massive win in Manchester this season.
While their inconsistency elsewhere underscores the work still required, this was undoubtedly one of the most impressive displays under his guidance. Central to Tottenham’s triumph was James Maddison, who delivered a masterclass performance, orchestrating the team’s success with elegance and precision.
Maddison, celebrating his birthday, turned in a performance to remember, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes to set the tone for the evening.
His confidence radiated throughout the match, combining incisive shooting with combative contributions across the pitch. His post-match statistics further highlighted his influence:
| James Maddison – Stats vs Man City (23/11/24) | Match Stats |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 89’ |
| Goals | 2 |
| Touches | 64 |
| Shots (on target) | 2 (2) |
| Pass completion | 40/45 (89%) |
| Key passes | 0 |
| Dribbles (completed) | 2 (2) |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Ground duels (won) | 12 (9) |
Maddison’s dual goals were accompanied by a commanding presence in midfield, completing all his dribbles and winning an impressive number of ground duels.
Such a performance not only silenced critics but also reaffirmed his crucial role in Postecoglou’s system. His forward partners, including Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson, complemented his efforts, contributing to a collective display of attacking prowess.
While Tottenham’s attack grabbed the headlines, their defensive effort was equally commendable. Radu Drăgușin stepped into the spotlight, delivering what many consider his best performance in a Spurs jersey.
With both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven sidelined due to injuries, Drăgușin partnered with the experienced Ben Davies to form a resilient defensive unit.
Drăgușin’s stats showcased his effectiveness in neutralizing City’s attacking threats:
| Radu Drăgușin – Defensive Performance vs Man City | Performance |
|---|---|
| Ground duels won | 100% |
| Erling Haaland’s shots | 5 (no goals) |
| Rating (via football.london) | 9/10 |
The Romanian defender silenced Erling Haaland, who struggled to convert any of his five shots into goals. Drăgușin’s display drew widespread praise, with some calling him a “monster” for his efforts.
Radu Drăguşin vs Manchester City
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) November 23, 2024
35 passes
83% pass accuracy
1 tackle
1 interception
3 blocked shots
2 clearances
1/2 aerial duels won
2/2 ground duels won
In the shadow of Maddison & Kulusevski, but it was such a solid performance by the 22-year-old Spurs no-nonsense CB. ⚪️🇷🇴 pic.twitter.com/v0IivBFF1a
This performance marked a significant turnaround for Drăgușin, who had faced criticism in previous matches, including a disappointing outing against Ipswich Town. Against one of the league’s most potent strikers, he stood firm, showcasing his potential to thrive under pressure.
Postecoglou’s Spurs have shown they can rise to the occasion against elite opposition, as evidenced by their dominance over Guardiola’s side. However, a glance at their overall results reveals the challenges of maintaining consistency. Despite these challenges, this victory offers a glimpse into the possibilities of what this exciting team can achieve.
Tottenham’s ability to dismantle a team as formidable as Manchester City speaks volumes about their potential. The combination of Maddison’s creativity, Drăgușin’s defensive solidity, and Postecoglou’s tactical ingenuity has created a team capable of competing at the highest level. While challenges remain, performances like this one provide hope for the future and hint at the riches this promising squad might deliver.
For now, Spurs fans can relish an exceptional evening that underscored their team’s potential to shine on the grandest stages.
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