Under-fire Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou can later thank birthday boy James Maddison after Spurs jumped to a 2-0 lead against struggling Man City at the Etihad.

On a night when City celebrated Ballon d’Or winner Rodri with a pre-match spectacle, it is Spurs who stole the party after a brace from Maddison on his 28th birthday.

His first goal of the night came in the 13th minute with Spurs’ first touch in City’s penalty area, before completing his double goal scorer seven minutes later.

Maddison has already improved on his goal return from last season (four) and now has five league goals this season as Spurs remain in the hunt to return to the Champions League.

📸 Naomi Baker – 2024 Getty Images