We are witnessing a significant change in mood at Spurs, which is reflected in this magnificent arena, as the psychological barrier of a vital Premier League victory is overcome against Coventry.
Head coach Roberto de Zerbi said in an interview with BBC Sport’s Match Of The Day: “We didn’t lose the passion we showed – focus, concentration. When we lost the ball, we reacted incredibly.
“We could have scored more goals, but we created a lot of chances. We need to be more dirty, especially in the last third of the match, especially in the last half. I’m happy because I knew in advance that it would be a difficult game.”
De Zerbi has pleaded for patience with his big summer signings, with midfield duo Sandro Tonali, £100m arrival from Newcastle United and £85m West Ham United signing Mateus Fernandes both starting slowly.
While any optimistic verdict on Spurs in recent times always comes with inherent caution, the expensive pair are now showing signs of why De Zerbi is willing to pay such a price to make them part of his transformation.
Tonali came alive against Coventry City where he played a key role with his running power, physicality and creativity. Fernandes was always alive, always looking for an opening, a pass that could make the difference.
And once again, Dejan Kulusevski, greeted with his usual fervor after his long lay-off, provided a lively cameo as a substitute, who also forced a fine save from Palace keeper Dean Henderson.
There is a feeling that something is finally stirring at Spurs, that the £300m spent in the summer may just pay off – as you would expect for such lavish spending.
The stats confirmed Spurs’ dominance, although Crystal Palace struggled with their numbers, never looking like a side that gave up on manager Pierre Sage, although he will be increasingly in the spotlight now that they sit in the bottom three with just two wins from nine league games.
The Spurs had 34 shots and faced just two, the largest shot differential (32) against any opponent since Opta records began in 2003-04.
It is the most by any side since Liverpool hit 36 to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ four in May 2024.
Spurs also had 79.4% possession, the second highest on record in a Premier League match after 80.2% against Newcastle United in August 2019.