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'Centre stage' - National media all pick out same star Tottenham player after Man City thrashing

James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his goal during the Premier League win against Manchester City
-Credit: (Image: Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)


Tottenham Hotspur got back to winning ways on Saturday with a significant 4-0 thrashing of current champions Manchester City.

James Maddison was centre stage as he scored a brace in the first half before Pedro Porro put the result beyond doubt with a third after the break. To make matters worse for the hosts, Spurs substitutes Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson combined for a fourth in stoppage time.

Ange Postecoglou 's side are now sixth in the Premier League standings after 12 games and three points off top four. Defeat for City keeps them second with a visit to Anfield to come next weekend.

READ MORE: What Ilkay Gundogan did to James Maddison to set Ange Postecoglou Tottenham masterplan in action

READ MORE: 'Have a night off' - Man City trolled for what they did after Tottenham defeat

Here, football.london takes a look at how the national media reported on Spurs' huge win over Manchester City in the Premier League.

Mike McGrath wrote for The Telegraph: "For a man who likes to be the “main man” at family roast dinners, it has been a quiet time for James Maddison recently. Hooked at half-time last month and on the bench more often than not since, he would have been on it again at the Etihad Stadium were Rodrigo Bentancur not banned for a racial slur aimed at his own captain.

"However, like at the Toby Carvery, he cannot be starved of the limelight for too long, such is Maddison’s character. On his 28th birthday, he was centre stage in Tottenham’s stunning win at Manchester City with his two first-half goals; blows which the Premier League champions never recovered from.

"It has been a long two weeks for Maddison during an international break when he was not called upon by Lee Carsley. Perhaps being overlooked for England played a part in his performance against City. He was fired up, energetic to the point of being manic in central midfield, before showing calmness when chances were presented to him in the penalty area."

Matthew Cooper wrote for The Mirror: "James Maddison celebrated his 28th birthday in style as he starred in a brilliant win for Spurs, netting a brace.

"Maddison scored his first after latching onto a brilliant cross from Kulusevski, while his second came after some excellent interplay with Son on the edge of the box. He was excellent throughout the game and his performance provided a timely reminder of his qualities to incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel.

"Maddison has not featured for England since he was axed by Gareth Southgate ahead of Euro 2024. He will be eyeing a way back into the squad once Tuchel officially takes charge next year and more performances like the one he put in today will surely see him return."

Richard Jolly wrote for The Independent: "While Rodri gazed on from the stands, the dominant figure was James Maddison. Perhaps a fit Rodri would have prevented his seven-minute double – Maddison was left unmarked for each, beautifully as he took them – as the recalled, resurgent Englishman upstaged the City manager and award winner.

"He once infamously said that, when he goes out for a roast dinner with his family, he wants to be the main man. He turned this evening into his 28th birthday party.

"Tottenham cemented their status as the division’s great enigmas. They have recorded a remarkable Manchester double: after winning 3-0 at Old Trafford, they went one better at the Etihad. Yet they had just lost at home to Ipswich. Angeball can be something of an oddball, but on such nights it is glorious for Tottenham."