Saturday’s expected clash between Tottenham Hotspur and reigning Premier League champions Manchester City got off to the best possible start for the hosts.
All eyes were on Pep Guardiola’s side heading into tonight’s affair, with City looking to impress after losing their last four games. Defeats against Bournemouth, Brighton and Sporting CP, as well as Spurs in the Carabao Cup, had cast doubt on their ability to retain the title this season.
When faced James Maddison cityhe made sure to give those who doubted something to talk about.
In the first 20 seconds of Saturday’s clash, Yves Bissouma was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Phil Foden. The fans knew that from this point on, this would be a game for the ages.
Also, if there’s ONE player you don’t follow after an early yellow, it’s Yves Bissouma.
What will you do when he gets his usual 55 min (second) yellow?— The man, the myth, Melly. (@MLVN__) November 23, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen Yves Bissouma.
18 seconds into the game and get a
#MCITOT #THFC #JEWELRY #TOTTENHAM pic.twitter.com/k6Xhs5iKaY
— SeanSlaterTHFC
(@SeanSlaterTHFC) November 23, 2024
When you have a game next week but have a birthday to attend
Yves Bissouma to all
(Context: Yellow card in 16 seconds in Manchester City vs Tottenham)
#MCITOT pic.twitter.com/9ZV3uyAHne
— GOD (@Utd_GodBrando) November 23, 2024
Yellow card in 16 seconds for Yves Bissouma, yes there is a red card in this game and I hope it goes to a City player
— Timhazard
(@Timhazard254) November 23, 2024
However, minutes later, Maddison rocked the Etihad Stadium, unleashing a beautiful strike against the run of play into the back of the City net. The hosts were stunned, but Spurs continued to dominate.
2016 – James Maddison is the first Spurs player to score a Premier League goal on his birthday since Christian Eriksen in 2016, which also came against Manchester City. celebration pic.twitter.com/rFiik34vJ4
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 23, 2024
Maddison scores in his return to the starting eleven!
It’s a lovely cross from Kulusevski and Maddison times his run perfectly for a simple finish in the box
— Jay Harris (@jaydmharris) November 23, 2024
This is a great cross from Kulusevski, wow, goal Maddison
— Excelsior (@RavS82) November 23, 2024
Soon the celebrations were back at the away end as Maddison doubled his side’s lead to make it 2-0.
Manchester City is not the same team without Rodri.
They just aren’t. The spaces they are leaving in the middle of the park. The lack of coordination between Lewis and Gundogan especially for James Maddison’s second goal.
my god pic.twitter.com/daIfMHdBuT
— Mark Kinyanjui (@Kiinya_Y) November 23, 2024
What clinic both goals. Maddison’s movement is very good. The city has just passed the defensive tasks to each other.
— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) November 23, 2024
James Maddison should have targeted Haaland after that chip for the second goal.
— Zito (@_Zeets) November 23, 2024
Man City are collapsing. Two goals down in 20 minutes. Another delicious goal from Maddison!
— Firzie A. Idris (@firzieidris) November 23, 2024
Maddison’s 2 goals have been world class, take a bow
— Terry Flewers (@terryflewers) November 23, 2024
If Maddison showed his ability consistently, he would be one of the main starters for England. Unreal talent
— Jemma (@designwithjemma) November 23, 2024
THIS IS LITERALLY JAMES MADDISON pic.twitter.com/TClWsD2ZKx
— snehaaa (@sneharants) November 23, 2024
All this in the first 45 minutes, buckle up.