Tottenham are finally on par with Beyoncé. Roberto De Zerbi’s side are progressing with just their sixth home win in the Premier League since November 2024. Cynics will point out that this magnificent stadium has hosted many Beyoncé concerts during this time, but Spurs are finally playing a happier song after their 30th win. Coventry.
It wasn’t particularly convincing. Coventry were angered by Spurs’ second goal in the 59th minute when Omar Marmus responded with a ruthless effort to Jack Rudoni’s equaliser. There was relief from Marmus after his first goal since his loan move from Manchester City, but should it have stopped? Egyptian forward Milan van Ewijk, who had an otherwise quiet game, was lucky not to be penalized for elbowing him.
Frank Lampard looked confused. The night belonged to the Spurs, who picked up 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 calmed nerves with a third goal in added time and the home fans were also cheered by Dejan Kulusevski, who made his first appearance in a season.
For Spurs, the hope was that the appearance of Kulusevski on the bench would provide an emotional lift in the crowd. The Swede returned to the team for the first time since suffering a knee injury in May 2025 and was left out. Struggling without the creativity of Kulusevki, Spurs had to cling to positivity after an emphatic draw at Manchester United.
The good thing is that they started the games well. This time there was some early excitement after De Zerby switched to a back three. Mohammed Kudus was a surprise choice at attacking right-back, Archie Gray partnered Sandro Tonali in midfield and Coventry’s first chance, a quick break ended with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto following his curling shot.
There were a few groans, but Spurs showed rare mental fortitude and struck another playmaker who is rebuilding his career after a serious injury. Lively and direct, Kudus provided the spark by darting past Jay Dasilva. The Ghanaian passed to Maddison and the number 10, sniffed at every touch by Coventry supporters still seething as the England international left his boyhood club 10 years ago, used his right foot to beat Carl Rushworth with a sharp curling shot from 25 yards.
It was a fine move for Maddison, who scored his first goal since scoring in the Europa League semi-final against Bodø/Glimt on 1 May 2025. He slows down his rehabilitation, never gives up and his enthusiasm is contagious. Even Lampard had to smile when Maddison pulled back to stop the counter-attack and apologized after smashing the ball into the Coventry bench.
Coventry was slow to respond. Not that Spurs were flowing before the break. Maddison was involved in some brilliant moves and Dominic Solanke had a shot, but De Zerbi wanted the pass to be sharper. The sheer exchange between Sidiki Cherif and Brandon Thomas-Asante was a reminder that it’s not over. Thomas-Asante advanced towards Jan Paul van Hecke and Antonin Kinski, only for Miki van de Ven to intervene with a decisive challenge.
Spurs ignored the warning. After a lethargic start to the second half, Van Hecke was out of defense and lost the ball. Coventry countered this, pushing Rudo to the left. The midfielder exchanged passes with Caleb Yirenkyi and the Spurs froze. Rudoni tackled Thomas-Asante, won possession, chested the ball and slotted past Kinski to draw Coventry level.
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Going into action, Spurs turned up the intensity and Tonali posted two shots. Coventry looked uncertain but were furious when the home side restored their lead. Marmus took a pass, turned and elbowed Van Eveyk in the face. However, Andrew Madley let play continue with Coventry’s right-back, allowing Marmus to spin into space and curl a delicate shot past Rushworth from 20 yards.
It was a stunning way for the Egyptian to score for the first time since May. There was no interference from video assistant referee Paul Tierney and the visitors reacted with astonishment as the goal was replayed on the big screens.
Coventry was fired with a sense of injustice. They scored another equalizer and combined pressure, but Spurs were able to defend their box tenaciously.
De Zerbi looked for more energy, bringing on Mateus Fernandes and Conor Gallagher. The Italian took his squad to Marbella last week to train in warm weather. Having pushed Coventry into 17th place, Spurs will be hoping for sunnier times to come.