Tottenham Hotspur have bounced back in style with a resounding 4-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
For the second time this season, Spurs have defeated Pep Guardiola’s charges – and this time it was a rout away from home in the Premier League.
Tottenham opened the scoring on 13 minutes when Dejan Kulusevski whipped in a simply delightful cross for James Maddison to volley home.
Spurs – and Maddison – then doubled their lead seven minutes later as the birthday boy dinked the ball over Ederson following a one-two win Son Heung-min.
Tottenham wrapped up all three points in the 53rd minute when Dominic Solanke teed up Pedro Porro to curl home a powerful effort past the Man City stopper.
And then, three minutes into stoppage time, Brennan Johnson ghosted in at the back post to tap home Timo Werner’s cross and make it 4-0 to the visitors.
It was an incredible display from Spurs and not only did the returning Maddison take home the match ball thanks to his brace, but he also broke two Premier League records on the day.
James Maddison dazzles on his birthday as Tottenham hammer Manchester City
As per the Premier League website, Maddison is the first ever player to score multiple Premier League goals against the reigning champions on his birthday.
Maddison’s brace is also the earliest any player has ever scored away from home against the reigning Premier League champions.
Other notable achievements from Maddison on the day include being the 11th different player to score multiple Premier League goals on his birthday, and the third-earliest brace – including home games – since Chris Sutton at Leeds United in April 1993.
Maddison answers critics as Tottenham send shockwaves across the Premier League
Maddison has done superbly to swiftly end all speculation over his future after spending some time out of the starting XI.
He has answered critics in the most emphatic of ways, starring for Spurs as they produced a result that will send shockwaves around the Premier League.
Indeed, The Spurs News awarded Maddison a 10 out of 10 for his efforts on the day.
This could well be the moment that Man City have been knocked off their perch. They’ve lost five in a row in all competitions and have been trounced at home by Spurs.
Tottenham’s win should also silence anyone who doubts Postecoglou’s ways. Sure, there are still flaws to iron out against easier opponents on paper, but they’ve shown they literally can beat anyone on their day.
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