James Maddison says he is letting his performances “speak for themselves” in response to the skeptics who doubted him before he netted the decisive goal as Tottenham defeated Manchester United on Sunday.
Maddison was the only player to react quickly after United goalkeeper Andre Onana deflected Lucas Bergvall’s effort, enabling him to finish with a simple tap-in to score the game’s solitary goal.
He celebrated with both a talking and silencing gesture.
Following the match, without mentioning any specific critics, he told Sky Sports: “There was a bit of external chatter this week.
“People will express their views, but I aimed to make my statement on the field. I hope a certain few enjoyed seeing me as the match-winner today.”
This week, former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane claimed on The Overlap podcast that Maddison “was relegated with Leicester and will go down with Spurs.”
Keane acknowledged that Maddison was a “gifted footballer” but insisted that those expecting his return to propel Spurs into the top six were “delusional.”
The 28-year-old had been sidelined since sustaining a calf strain against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on January 23.
His goal against United was his first in the Premier League since December and his 10th across all tournaments this term.
Between his talking and shushing gestures, Maddison also performed his signature darts throw celebration.
When asked about handling criticism, he continued: “You notice it—it’s always present. Especially when it comes from a high-profile figure.
“No one is harsher on me than myself. To be fair, the boss always emphasizes ignoring outside opinions, but sometimes that’s tough. It’s constantly in your face—through social media and WhatsApp, where people send stuff.”
‘Maddison is a top-class player’ – Postecoglou
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said it “doesn’t shock him” that Maddison reacted to remarks about him, noting that he “fired back a response.”
Tottenham struggled without their playmaker, suffering three defeats in five matches while he was unavailable in 2025.
“It’s just fantastic to have him available again,” said Postecoglou. “He is an exceptional player.
“If you assess his goal tally from midfield this season, it’s still among the best.”
Maddison has found the net four times in his past four Premier League starts and remains Spurs’ top scorer in the league this season. He has contributed directly to 13 goals in 23 league matches (nine goals, four assists).
“He was frustrated when he got injured, and honestly, we didn’t expect him back for another couple of weeks,” Postecoglou admitted.
“But he has worked incredibly hard in training and done everything necessary to ensure his return.”
Tottenham have endured a difficult spell and currently sit 12th in the Premier League standings, but a significant factor in their form has been a series of key player injuries.
Postecoglou will be relieved to have fielded Maddison alongside goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who impressed in his first appearance since fracturing his ankle in November.
Long-term absentees Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie, and Wilson Odobert were also fit enough for a place on the bench.
