James Maddison has delivered a scathing verdict on Tottenham Hotspur's predicament, admitting it is 'embarrassing' that the club will head into the final day of the Premier League season still fighting for survival. Spurs could have secured their top-flight status with a victory over London rivals Chelsea on Tuesday, but a 2-1 defeat leaves them precariously placed.
Relegation Battle Goes to the Wire
Tottenham now go into Sunday's home fixture against Everton sitting two points above West Ham, who occupy the final relegation spot. A draw should be enough for Roberto De Zerbi's side, given their vastly superior goal difference, but nerves are sure to be jangling at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. West Ham, meanwhile, host a Leeds United team with nothing to play for, while Everton are still battling for European qualification.
Maddison's Honest Assessment
Maddison, making only his second appearance since returning from a nine-month injury layoff, spoke candidly to Sky Sports after the match. 'We've got to give everything for this club, for the badge and for our fans,' the midfielder said. 'It is unacceptable and a little bit embarrassing that we're in this position as Tottenham Hotspur, but it's the reality unfortunately and it's up to us to get out of it.'
The 29-year-old praised the travelling supporters, adding: 'Sunday is going to be a big day. We're going to need everyone, we're going to need our fans who were absolutely unbelievable today by the way. Even at 2-0 down you could just hear them, and I genuinely think we've got the best away support in the league. We need to repay them with a good performance and some points on Sunday to secure Premier League survival.'
Maddison's Fitness Struggles
Maddison was limited to just half an hour of action as he continues to build up his fitness after a serious knee injury sustained during pre-season. 'Anyone who has worked in football or has been through this injury knows it is not as easy just to drop back in,' he explained. 'It would be catastrophic for my career if something was to happen and we weren't safe or if we didn't follow the protocols from the specialist, but obviously I want to help the team as much as I can, so let's see where we get to.'
He added: 'Obviously I've been out for a long time, so I'm not going to be at my fluid and fluent best, but I feel good and I've just got to try and help the team with whatever many minutes I can. I've obviously had a massive injury, so it's one of them you have to respect the injury a little bit, and that's probably why I am not starting games, but I've been out for a little while and I am going to do what I can on Sunday. I did tonight, it wasn't enough, but we've got to keep trying and keep battling for our fans.'
What's at Stake on the Final Day
Tottenham's defeat to Chelsea means West Ham still have a chance of survival. The Hammers will be hoping for a favour from Everton, who have their own ambitions of securing European football. For Spurs, a draw against Everton would be enough to stay up, but anything less could see them drop into the Championship, depending on West Ham's result against Leeds.
