“SPARE CUTI ROMERO AND VICARIO” long time Spurs hater Paul Merson names unblamed Tottenham man who caused Spurs lost after seeing him in person v Arsenal
Tottenham’s performance in their recent match against Arsenal provided a lot of talking points, with pundits and fans alike scrutinizing the team’s display. Among the critics was former Arsenal player Paul Merson, who specifically called out one of Tottenham’s marquee signings, urging him to raise his game.
Arsenal’s resolute defense once again held strong, securing a deserved victory after Gabriel’s headed goal put them in front. Tottenham, on the other hand, had several glaring issues throughout the match, prompting football pundits to analyze the team’s shortcomings. Gary Neville highlighted what he described as ‘weird’ behavior leading up to Arsenal’s goal, while Jamie Redknapp took aim at Cristian Romero, suggesting the defender needs to show more consistency. Additionally, Matt Upson hinted that Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou could find himself under pressure if results don’t improve soon.
However, it was Paul Merson’s critique of Spurs’ midfielder James Maddison that stood out. According to Merson, Maddison, one of Tottenham’s big-name players, hasn’t been delivering the kind of performances expected of him.
Merson Urges Maddison to Step Up After North London Derby
Speaking on *Sky Sports* after the match, Merson didn’t hold back in his assessment of Maddison’s performance. He believes the midfielder, who was brought in to be a creative force for the team, hasn’t lived up to expectations, especially in such high-stakes matches like the North London Derby.
“Some of the big players have got to step up. James Maddison wasn’t great today. He has got to step up. He has got to be better,” Merson said.
Merson emphasized that playing in Maddison’s position comes with the responsibility of making things happen on the pitch. He expressed disappointment that Maddison didn’t have the desired impact against Arsenal, especially considering the quality of the opposition. “He is playing in a position where you have got to make things happen. I don’t personally think he did that today, and who he was playing against, it has got to be better,” he added. “I am not digging him out because I am a big fan of his, but I played in that position and I know what you have got to do and he needs to do better.”
Maddison Must Deliver More for Spurs
Merson’s critique may come from a former Arsenal man, but the sentiment is shared by many Tottenham supporters. Since his £40 million transfer, Maddison has yet to consistently deliver the kind of performances that made him a standout at Leicester City. While his season was hampered by injury last year, Tottenham need him to be firing on all cylinders, especially as they look to climb up the Premier League table.
Playing as a creative midfielder, Maddison is in a role where his ability to dictate play and create chances is crucial for Tottenham’s success. However, during the Arsenal match, there were moments when he seemed to fade from the action, failing to provide the spark that the team desperately needed. His ability to unlock defenses and contribute to the attack was notably absent, and with the pressure mounting on Spurs, Maddison will be keen to prove his worth.
Despite the criticism, there’s no doubt that Maddison has the potential to turn things around. The former Leicester star has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and Tottenham fans will be hoping he can rediscover that form sooner rather than later. With the demanding schedule of the Premier League, Tottenham need their big players, Maddison included, to step up and make a difference in these pivotal games.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Maddison to see if he can respond to the challenge and raise his level of play. For Spurs to compete with the top sides, they’ll need him to be at his best—starting with the next game.
