Tottenham star James Maddison all-but confirmed his celebration for his match-winning goal was a cheeky dig at Roy Keane.
Maddison scored the only goal of the game in the 13th minute as Spurs recorded a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Maddison made no mistake from less than six yards out to tap home into an empty net
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Maddison made no mistake from less than six yards out to tap home into an empty netCredit: Getty
He shushed towards the camera after breaking the deadlock against United
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He shushed towards the camera after breaking the deadlock against UnitedCredit: Sky Sports
Maddison, who missed the last five matches in all competitions with a calf knock, was the first to react to Andre Onana’s parried save after the Red Devils goalkeeper kept out Lucas Bergvall’s effort.
And the delight was there for all to see on Maddison’s face after he tucked home into an empty net, where he proceeded to do the ‘shush’ celebration towards the camera.
The goal was his first since December 22 and his reaction comes just days after United legend Roy Keane tore into the ex-Leicester man, suggesting the England international goes missing in big games.
Speaking on the recent episode of The Overlap, Keane said: “We saw Maddison at Tamworth [in FA Cup third round], he was taken off. Tamworth are non league.
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“People say Maddison’s the man. When is he going to step up to the plate? He got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs.”
Taking a swipe at his visit to Alexandra Palace to watch the PDC World Darts Championship, Keane added: “Maddison isn’t bad, when he’s not at the darts.
“But let me tell you, If you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land. He’s good, he’s a talented player.
“But if you’re a player in the Spurs dressing room and Maddison’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going, ‘Oh Jesus – he’s back today. We’re going to be fine.’
“England have a squad of 300 and he can’t even get in that. You kid yourselves everybody.”
And with Maddison procededing to shush the camera, one eagle-eyed X user messaged: “Maddison was so blatantly biting back at Keane’s comments this week.”
Keane aimed a dig at Maddison midweek ahead of his return to action
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Keane aimed a dig at Maddison midweek ahead of his return to actionCredit: Getty
Fans think Maddison was poking fun at Keane during his celebration
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Fans think Maddison was poking fun at Keane during his celebrationCredit: Getty
Another commented: “Roy Keane threw shade. Maddison kept receipts. And he answered the call today. That celebration was personal.”
A third added: “Did Maddison just shut Roy Keane up with that celebration?”
This supporter then posted: “Maddison shushing was defo targeted at that Roy Keane Overlap clip a few days ago.”
Meanwhile this fan simply stated: “Maddison cooking Keane is pretty fun.”
And the player himself admitted that the celebration was a message to his doubters.
When asked if it was aimed at Keane, he said: “Just a little bit of outside noise.
“People have their opinions and I just wanted to do my talking on the pitch and I hope there’s a certain few who enjoyed me being the match-winner today.”
Maddison added: “No one’s more critical of myself than me. The gaffer always talks about blocking the outside noise but sometimes you can’t miss it, it’s constantly in your face.”
“With social media, WhatsApp, people sending you stuff. You do see it and it is there especially when it’s a big name.
“But it’s about responding in the right way and I was the match-winner.”
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Maddison’s close-range strike against United is his ninth top-flight goal this season – the most from any player in the Spurs dressing room.
And in what is his 13th outing against the Red Devils, he has finally got on the score sheet against them for the first time.
Tottenham move up to 12th with this win
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Tottenham move up to 12th with this win
Danny Murphy QUESTIONS Ange Postecoglou’s ‘SORE’ Comments On James Maddison after their defeat to Leicester City
