James Maddison dubs Tottenham plight 'embarrassing' as relegation fight goes down to the wire | OneFootball

Forward came off bench late in Chelsea defeat but could not turn tide

James Maddison described Tottenham’s season as ‘embarrassing’ after defeat by Chelsea on Tuesday night sent the relegation battle down to the wire.

Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos set the Blues on their way at Stamford Bridge, marking Richarlison’s late goal as little more than a consolation.

It leaves Spurs 17th in the table and two points clear of the drop with one match left to play, at home to Everton on the final day of the season.

A win over struggling Chelsea would have been enough to confirm Spurs' top-flight status next season, while a draw would have put safety beyond all reasonable doubt.

Defeat, though, means they head into the final day of the season with relegation still a very real prospect, and Maddison, who went close to an equaliser late on but was denied by a heroic Jorrel Hato block, did not mince words as he analysed the situation.

Looking ahead to Tottenham’s date with destiny on Sunday, he told Sky Sports: "We have to give everything for the club, for the badge, for the fans.

James Maddison was denied a last-gasp equaliser by Jorrel Hato’s perfectly-timed tackle

AFP via Getty Images

“It's a bit embarrassing that we're in this position. We're going to need our fans, who were unbelievable tonight. I think we have the best away following in the league.”

He continued: “We knew any sort of result would be very beneficial for us in the battle. It wasn't to be.

“We pushed hard in the last 20 minutes. It was probably a pretty even game. I don't remember them having many chances.”

Maddison did not play any part for Spurs on the pitch this season until April, when he returned from a lengthy lay-off as he recovered from ACL surgery.

He added that he still feels rusty, but that he is happy to be back on the pitch regardless.

“I've been out for a long time, so I'm not going to be at my fluid best. I've had a massive injury and you have to respect the injury a bit. I'm going to do what I can on Sunday.

“[Being creative is] my job, it's what I'm paid to do. I haven't played this season, but when I do, it's what we have to do. Hopefully, when I'm on the pitch, I have to try and help the team.

“Anyone who has worked in football or has had this injury, it's not easy to drop back in. It would be catastrophic for my career if something were to happen.”