Progress is represented in Roberto De Zerbi’s side earning only their sixth home win in the Premier League since November 2024. Cynics will point out that this spectacular stadium has hosted as many Beyoncé gigs during that time, but Spurs are finally singing a happier tune after dragging themselves out of the bottom three thanks to a messy but gritty 3-1 win over Coventry. It was not especially convincing.
Coventry raged at the second Spurs goal, delivered when Omar Marmoush responded to Jack Rudoni’s equaliser for the visitors with a vicious effort in the 59th minute. Relief poured out of Marmoush after his first goal since joining on loan from Manchester City, but should it have stood? The Egyptian forward, who otherwise had a quiet game, was fortunate not to be penalised for an elbow on Milan van Ewijk.
Frank Lampard looked bewildered. The night belonged to Spurs, who have their first win of the season. James Maddison marked his first start in 536 days by opening the scoring with a brilliant goal.
Ben Davies, on as a substitute, calmed the nerves by drilling in the third goal in added time and the home fans were also cheered by Dejan Kulusevski coming on to make his first appearance after more than a season out. The hope for Spurs was that the sight of Kulusevski on the bench would give the crowd an emotional lift. The Swede was back in the squad for the first time since sustaining a knee injury in May 2025 and has been missed.
Spurs, who have struggled without Kuluseveki’s creativity, needed to cling to the positivity after their resolute draw at Manchester United. The encouraging thing is that they have been starting games well. This time, though, there were some early jitters after De Zerbi’s switch to a back three.
Mohammed Kudus was a surprise choice as an attacking right wing-back, Archie Gray partnered Sandro Tonali in midfield and Coventry had the first chance, a fast break ending with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto watching his deflected shot spin over. There were a few groans, but Spurs showed rare mental fortitude and struck through another creator rebuilding his career after serious injury. Kudus, lively and direct, provided the spark with a dart past Jay Dasilva.
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