Jamie O’Hara shocked by ‘Spicy’ James Maddison developments at Tottenham
Jamie O’Hara has had his say on James Maddison’s feud with Roy Keane after Tottenham battled to victory against Manchester United.
In the week leading up to the game, Keane admitted that he doesn’t see Maddison as a player with the ability to make a difference at Spurs following injuries.
However, the 28-year-old silenced his critics by scoring the only goal in Tottenham’s 1-0 victory against Manchester United on Sunday (16 February).
Jamie O’Hara speaks out on James Maddison reaction
Some supporters labelled Keane’s comments as harsh after they gained traction on social media, with some urging Maddison to prove him wrong.
It seems as though the noise did reach the Spurs camp too when Maddison seemed to do a celebration directed towards the Red Devils legend.
After scoring, Maddison mimicked a chattering mouth before putting his fingers to his lips to shush people after his classic dart throw, which gained attention from Luke Littler.
However, speaking live on talkSPORT (17 February, 9:15am) O’Hara admitted he has enjoyed watching Maddison for Spurs this season and felt his reaction was justified.
He said: “Who are we to argue with Roy Keane? Do you know what I mean? He’s a legend of the game.
“It was probably a bit harsh on Maddison when I saw it, I was a bit like oh that’s spicy, it’s a bit spicy. He’s gone after him a little bit which I think was probably unfair.
“But, look I think he did alright yesterday. He got the goal, he was switched on. I think it was harsh from Roy Keane but at least he knows that the boys are listening and he asked what everyone expects him to do and that’s all you can do as a footballer.
“You know, if someone digs you out you go and do your talking on the football pitch because that’s the opportunity they’ve got.”
James Maddison silences critics perfectly
Given how poor Tottenham have done throughout the season, Keane is not the first person to criticise Maddison and the more senior players in the side, suggesting they could be contributing more.
While the 28-year-old hasn’t always been at his best this term, he hasn’t been helped by injuries or the fact that the Tottenham squad has had gaps in it throughout the term.
Eight goals and four assists from 22 appearances in the Premier League is not a bad return and it feels like he was possibly a bit of an easier target for Keane given we know how much talent he possesses.
The attacker ran the Premier League clash against the Red Devils and looked absolutely fearless in his performance, showing no signs of being distracted by any talk coming from outside the camp.
As O’Hara points out, for footballers, it’s about doing your business on the pitch as a way to silence people and prove others wrong and that was certainly the case at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
Now, it’s up to the 28-year-old to continue delivering regularly giving pundits no opportunity to use him as a scapegoat in the Lilywhites’ difficult campaign.