James Maddison has admitted it is "a little bit embarrassing" for Tottenham Hotspur to find themselves embroiled in a final-day relegation battle, but has unequivocally stated that Premier League survival is "non-negotiable" for the club.
Spurs squandered an opportunity to secure their top-flight status following a 2-1 defeat by London rivals Chelsea on Tuesday. Maddison featured for the final 21 minutes, marking only his second appearance since returning from a serious knee injury.
A single point from the fixture would have relegated West Ham United due to Tottenham’s far superior goal difference, but the fight for survival now extends to Sunday’s decisive match against Everton, where a win or a draw will guarantee safety.
"It’s non-negotiable. We have to (get over the line) for this club," Maddison asserted. "We’ve got to give everything for this club, for the badge and for our fans. It is unacceptable and a little bit embarrassing that we’re in this position as Tottenham Hotspur but it’s the reality unfortunately and it’s up to us to get out of it."
The midfielder also praised the club’s travelling support, adding: "Sunday is going to be a big day. We’re going to need everyone, we’re going to need our fans who were absolutely unbelievable today by the way.
“Even at 2-0 down you could just hear them and I genuinely think we’ve got the best away support in the league. We need to repay them with a good performance and some points on Sunday to secure Premier League survival."
At Stamford Bridge, Tottenham started brightly, with Mathys Tel hitting the post, before Chelsea took the lead through a superb 30-yard strike from Enzo Fernandez.
The first half remained evenly contested, but a costly wayward pass from Randal Kolo Muani in the 67th minute allowed Cole Palmer to break free, leading to Andrey Santos firing home Chelsea’s second goal.
Maddison was poised to enter the fray just before the second goal. Despite Richarlison pulling one back with 16 minutes remaining, Maddison himself was denied by an excellent Jorrel Hato block.
Tottenham were also controversially denied a penalty when visiting captain Micky van de Ven was brought down by Marc Cucurella, who received a booking. However, referee Stuart Attwell ruled the foul occurred before the ball was in play, ordering a retake of the corner.
Addressing his fitness and potential playing time for Sunday’s crucial match, Maddison, who suffered a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament in August, told Sky Sports: "Well, anyone who has worked in football or has been through this injury, it is not as easy just to drop back in.
“It would be catastrophic for my career if something was to happen and we weren’t safe or followed the protocols from the specialist, but obviously I want to help the team as much as I can.
“Obviously I’ve been out for a long time so I’m not going to be at my fluid and fluent best, but I feel good and I’ve just got to try to help the team with whatever many minutes I can."
The upcoming fixture against Everton at home represents a pivotal moment for Tottenham, with their Premier League future hanging in the balance.
