Tottenham Hotspur had to fight back against West Ham United after a sluggish first-half, however, following changes at the break, the Lilywhites went on to claim an emphatic win.
Goals from Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Heung-min Son and an Alphonse Areola own goal secured a 4-1 win for the hosts.
The win was crucial for Ange Postecoglou’s side who were coming off the back of a defeat to Brighton before the international break making it their worst start to a Premier League campaign in 16 years.
Three points lifted Tottenham back into seventh place and just four points off the top four with Crystal Palace away up next.
However, against the Hammers it was an afternoon to forget for one of Postecoglou’s biggest stars who has been told his future in North London is now in doubt.
James Maddison told his Tottenham career is under threat
Former Irish international Tony Cascarino claims that Tottenham are better without James Maddison in the team after he was hauled off at half-time against West Ham.
Postecoglou opted to take off Maddison at the break for Pape Matar Sarr as he looked to add more energy to his side’s midfield.
Maddison created plenty of chances against West Ham, however, Spurs were losing the battle in midfield and it was clear something needed to change.
Cascarino told The Game Football Podcast: “He was bought for a lot of money, he’s lost his England place, he’s 27, he’s gone to Tottenham to have a great four or five years at the club and it doesn’t feel like that.
“It feels like the pennies dropped with the manager, ‘Maybe we’re not as good with Maddison in our team’. He’s fighting for his career at Tottenham after a year, as in a first-team starter, being in the best lineup.
“I’m watching Postecoglou at the same time he did things wrong and I’m not sure he’s convinced by Maddison’s role in the team. He’s a great footballer and technically superb but I feel like he has to be the main man when he’s not now.”
How Tottenham could line-up vs Crystal Palace without Maddison
Sarr is now likely to start ahead of Maddison for the North London club’s trip across the capital to face Palace on October 27.
The Senegalese international brought a much greater energy and bite to Spurs’ midfield which they were lacking in the first 45 minutes.
Son will likely return to line-up as he is due to be rested against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Tottenham’s predicted line-up vs Crystal Palace: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Kulusevski; Johnson, Son, Solanke.
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