Tottenham Hotspur faced a significant setback in their Premier League campaign last weekend, enduring a crushing 4-0 defeat against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
The Lilywhites massively underperformed, managing only an xG of 0.73 compared to Newcastle’s impressive 2.73, highlighting their struggles throughout the match.
Former English footballer turned pundit Garth Crooks singled out two players from the Tottenham lineup for their poor performances, despite the team’s collective shortcomings.
In his weekly column for the BBC, Crooks criticised the displays of Micky van de Ven and James Maddison, highlighting specific moments where they failed to meet expectations.
He wrote:
“The normally impressive Micky van de Ven looked like he was playing on skis, while James Maddison seemed to go through the entire match as if the scoreline didn’t matter, oblivious of the fact that his team were fighting for a Champions League spot, and getting hammered.”
Summer signing Van de Ven, who has impressed throughout his debut season, had a forgettable outing, appearing disorganized and out of sorts, particularly in the first half.
His defensive lapses contributed to Newcastle’s two quick goals around the half-hour mark.
James Maddison’s dip in form
Meanwhile, Maddison’s impact has noticeably diminished in recent games, with a stark contrast in his contribution compared to earlier in the season.
The attacking midfielder’s reduced influence on the game has been evident, with just 1 goal and 2 assists in his last 11 appearances, raising concerns about his form and effectiveness.
Tottenham’s defeat saw them drop out of the top four, slipping to 5th place as Aston Villa moved ahead with a win against Arsenal.
With crucial Champions League qualification at stake, Spurs will need to address their shortcomings and bounce back strongly in their upcoming fixtures.
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