James Maddison Hits Back at Bukayo Saka After North London Derby

Tottenham star James Maddison has hit back at Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka following Sunday’s 2-2 draw between the north London rivals. Saka mocked England international team-mate Maddison by performing his trademark goal celebration after putting the Gunners 2-1 up in in the second half. But Maddison, who provided the assist for both of Son Heung-min’s goals as Spurs left the Emirates with a vital point, has now responded to Saka’s taunt.

‘Me and Bukayo had a bit of banter and a bit of trash talking on international duty,’ Maddison, who joined Tottenham this summer, said after the match. ‘I got told he did my celebration. He must have still been doing it after I turned him for the first [Spurs] goal. I’ll have a little word with him.’

Maddison Praised by Postecoglou

Maddison was one of several players Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou singled out for praise following the derby. ‘Romero was outstanding, Bissouma has been brilliant all year and Maddison and Sonny was just on a different level,’ the Australian said. Postecoglou was also delighted with left-back Destiny Udogie for keeping Saka quiet down the flank.

‘Arsenal have outstanding wide players, that’s where their threats are,’ he added. ‘Destiny picked up a yellow card and it could have made him nervous but but I felt he dealt with it well and ended up as the dominant player on that side of the pitch.’

Conclusion

The north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is always an intense affair, and Sunday’s match was no exception. James Maddison was instrumental in Spurs’ 2-2 draw, providing two assists for Son Heung-min’s goals. He also had some words for Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal winger mocked him with his trademark goal celebration. Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou praised Maddison and Destiny Udogie for their performances in keeping Saka quiet down the flank.