Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 3.
Player analysis - James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur) Midfielder Maddison’s outstanding form will give Spurs hope of ending their recent St James’ Park hoodoo. Having conceded 10 goals over their last two visits to Newcastle United, there might be some trepidation ahead of Sunday’s match, but at both ends of the pitch, Ange Postecoglou’s side have been strong across their first two matches.
Enjoying a division-high 95 touches inside the opposition box, and facing a competition-low four shots on target, Spurs head north brimming with confidence. And Maddison, 27, who has two assists already, is playing well enough to be a major influence for Spurs.
Back on song At the start of last season, Maddison was producing arguably the best football of his career, before an ankle injury disrupted his flow. Towards the end of 2023/24 there were signs the attacking midfielder was rediscovering his best form, and he has carried that into this season. Maddison’s creative numbers across his last five starts are his most impressive since joining from Leicester City.
Maddison's increasing influence:
Aug-Nov 2023:
Apps 11
Mins per goal/assist 111
Chances created/90 3.10
Big chances created/90 0.61
Pass. in final third/90 25.90
Touches/90 72.70
Jan-May 2024:
Apps 14
Mins per goal/assist 333
Chances created/90 2.20
Big chances created/90 0.34
Pass. in final third/90 30.60
Touches/90 82.60
11 May-present:
Apps 5
Mins per goal/assist 106
Chances created/90 3.60
Big chances created/90 0.64
Pass. in final third/90 31.50
Touches/90 88.90
Doubling up on the left Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento is likely to have his hands full trying to contain new Spurs signing Wilson Odobert AND Maddison, who has been drifting left as a matter of course. From positions out wide on that flank, the England international has supplied some lovely deliveries into the box. Two of his five successful crosses produced gilt-edged opportunities, with Pedro Porro converting his chance at Leicester, and Brennan Johnson heading just wide from another wicked inswinger at home to Everton.
Maddison's assist for Porro v Leicester Maddison's cross to Johnson v Everton
Newcastle must also be diligent when defending set-pieces whipped in by Maddison. Only two top-flight players, Andreas Pereira and Dwight McNeil, with nine and four set-piece deliveries respectively, have created more chances so far than the three of Maddison.
Harvey Barnes has found it hard to get regular starts at Newcastle, with Gordon occupying his preferred left-wing berth. Since joining the club a year ago, Barnes has been the division’s most effective attacking substitute, scoring or assisting seven times at a rate of once every 53 minutes. From his starts, that rate dips to a goal involvement every 237 minutes. Yet after starring off the bench last weekend, crossing for Gordon to score Newcastle’s equaliser – and on the back of a good display in midweek against Nottingham Forest – Howe may opt to start both on the flanks. During the second half at AFC Bournemouth, they were superb (with Gordon used on the right), so do not be surprised if they make this change.
Barnes (11) and Gordon (10) second-half passes v AFC Bournemouth *Green arrows = succ. passes, red arrows = unsucc. passes Both sides have only conceded once this season, but this has the feel of a match that will see each attack cause the opposition lots of problems. It is the most played Premier League fixture never to end goalless (58 games), with the last seven meetings averaging 4.9 goals. Expect excitement and chances aplenty at both ends of the pitch.