TITLE RACE IS NOT ALL FUN AND JAMES..
JAMES MADDISON is struggling to work up any enthusiasm for Tottenham being Premier League king-makers – because he wants Spurs to be crowned instead.
Maddison has been left frustrated at watching as north London rivals Arsenal fight out the closest Premier League race in years with Liverpool and Manchester City.
The top three are separated by one point with seven games left each, with Tottenham 11 points back in fourth.
Spurs can have a big say in the title’s final destination as they still have to play all three teams above them – City and Arsenal at home, and a trip to Anfield.
But while a Champions League place will be a decent reward for an entertaining campaign under Ange Postecoglou, Maddison is demanding a bigger prize next season.
When asked how he feels about having a bearing on the title race, Maddison said: “I’ve got no interest.
“We’ve got our own goals for the season and I’m not bothered.
“If we end up winning games against teams that are in that race, it makes no difference. We’ve got a job to do.
“We are where we are and that is something that gives us good motivation to want to be in the title race next year, seeing how good it is this year.
“That’s definitely the feeling. That’s filtered down from the manager.
“It’s annoying really, listening to three teams go at it for the title and we’re not in it, especially after the start of the season we had.
“How exciting is the title race this season?
“It’s amazing, it’s brilliant for a neutral.
“My friends and family, everyone is locked into the Premier League every week at the minute because it’s such a good title race.”
Tottenham took control of the battle for fourth spot with a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, which saw them leapfrog Aston Villa on goal difference with a game in hand.