After Arsenal player Bukayo Saka replicated his darts celebration in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (September 24), James Maddison responded with a lighthearted jab.
Saka’s powerful shot deflected in off Cristian Romero to give the Gunners the lead. After his teammates joined him in celebration, the young attacker spun away and pretended to toss a dart.
The goal was ruled an own goal by Romero, although the England international scored after Son Heung Min leveled the score. He scored a penalty to put Arsenal up 2-1, and then tossed another imaginary dart.
Maddison is well-known for his darts celebration, which he displayed throughout the season at Leicester City. He was one among the star players in today’s north London derby, rolling Saka for Son’s first of two equalizers.
The Spurs midfielder was questioned about his English counterpart’s celebrations, to which he answered humorously (via Talk Tottenham’s YouTube channel) [3:58]:
“On international duty, me and Bukayo had some banter and trash-talking.” I was informed he performed the darts celebration, and I believe he was still doing it when I turned him for the first goal. I’ll talk to him about it (smiles).”
During Arsenal’s 2-2 tie with Tottenham, Maddison was a persistent danger. He breezed through Saka to set up Son for his team’s first equalizer before aiding Son for his second half brace.
The 26-year-old joined Ange Postecoglou’s team from Leicester for £40 million in the summer. He has now scored two goals and provided four assists in seven appearances across all competitions.