Paul Merson urges Tottenham star to ‘step up’ performances after Arsenal defeat

Paul Merson has insisted that James Maddison must improve his level of performance after another flat display for Tottenham against Arsenal.

Despite facing an Arsenal side without Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, Spurs failed to find a breakthrough and were ultimately punished by Gabriel’s second-half header.

Spurs’ blunt attacking display is in sharp contrast to their free-flowing start under Ange Postecoglou and Merson believes that key players must hold themselves responsible.

‘Last season was better than this season,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘They were mind-blowing. As a neutral, I do like watching Tottenham, I like Ange, they play entertaining football – but some of the big players need to step up.’

Merson earmarked Maddison as one name, in particular, who must improve. The 27-year-old has two assists and no goals so far this season and is yet to return to the same electric form seen before a lengthy ankle injury midway through last season.

‘James Maddison wasn’t great on Sunday, he has got to step up. He’s got to be better. He’s playing in a position where you’ve got to make things happen,’ the former Arsenal midfielder added.

‘I don’t personally think he did that on Sunday and looking at who he was playing up against, he has to be better.

‘I’m not digging him out because I’m a huge fan of his, but I’ve played that position and know that he needs to do better.’

Merson though, remained positive about Postecoglou’s side and backed them to hit their attacking stride if they improve in one key area.

‘There’s not a lot wrong, but if you look at them and look at Newcastle, Tottenham have been playing better over the first three games – but Newcastle have more points than them. These are fine lines,’ he added.

‘If they get top four, that would be amazing. They will need Solanke to get 20 goals, and you only get 20 goals if the crossing improves.

‘If that doesn’t improve, you could put Haaland up there and he wouldn’t get 20.’

Spurs will look to get back to winning ways in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday when they face Championship side Coventry City.

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