Man City 0-4 Spurs | Madders: “That’s what we want to showcase - it was all there”

Footballers very rarely get the time to reflect on the good times - birthday boy James Maddison was determined to do exactly that after his special day turned extra special with an outstanding two-goal display in our 4-0 win at City on Saturday.

Playing centrally with in-form Dejan Kulusevski switching to the right, Madders, 28 on Saturday, celebrated with two beautifully crafted goals as we rode out an early storm to take a 2-0 lead against the champions, the playmaker turning goalscorer after 13 and 20 minutes.

Pedro Porro smashed home for 3-0 after 52 minutes and Brennan Johnson put the icing on Madders’ birthday cake with the fourth in added time.

“It’s a special day,” said Madders, speaking on our Review Show. “I’ve just said in a few interviews that these days don’t come around very often, against the champions, arguably the best team in Europe, Pep Guardiola’s side, so you have to enjoy them.

“Credit to the lads, I thought we were absolutely outstanding today. We dug deep when we had to, we were clinical, we created chances, we had to rely on blocks from defenders, goalie saves… it was everything you want from a Spurs performance. That’s what we want to showcase when we’re at our best level. It was all there.

“I’m really happy, and we’ve got to enjoy the moment. I said to the boys, ‘it’s not often you’ll come to the champions and win 4-0’, so enjoy it. People always talk about the next game, but sometimes you have to sit back and reflect a little and enjoy, then move on. I’m so happy and proud of the boys.”