Tottenham's Maddison calls relegation fight embarrassing

James Maddison has described Tottenham Hotspur’s fight to avoid relegation on the final day of the Premier League season as “a bit embarrassing” after a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea left the club’s top-flight status in jeopardy. The England midfielder, making only his second appearance of the campaign after a long-term knee injury, came off the bench at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday with his side already trailing 2-0 and could not prevent a result that leaves Spurs needing at least a point against Everton on Sunday to secure safety.

Chelsea took the lead in the 18th minute when Enzo Fernandez curled a long-range effort into the bottom corner. Andrey Santos doubled the advantage from close range in the 67th minute after Tottenham lost possession in a dangerous area. Richarlison pulled one back with 16 minutes remaining, but Spurs could not find an equaliser, with Maddison’s stoppage-time free kick clearing the bar in the final act of the match.

Tottenham sit 18th in the table, level on points with West Ham but ahead on goal difference. West Ham face Leeds United on the final day, while Spurs host an Everton side still in contention for European qualification. A win for Tottenham would...