Davies ensures Spurs off the bottom after first win of season against Coventry

Tottenham are level with Beyoncé at last. 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.

Maddison's Return Sparks Victory

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.

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.

Kulusevski's Return Boosts Spirits

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 suffering a knee injury in May 2025 and has been missed. Spurs, who have struggled without Kulusevski's creativity, needed to cling to the positivity after their gritty draw at Manchester United.

Ben Davies, on as 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.

Early Jitters and Mental Fortitude

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 seeing a 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. The Ghanaian laid a pass off to Maddison and the No 10, whose every touch had been booed by Coventry supporters apparently still seething with the England international leaving his boyhood club 10 years ago, used his right instep to beat Carl Rushworth with a crisp bending shot from 25 yards.

Second Half Drama

Coventry were slow to respond. Not that Spurs were flowing before half-time. Maddison was involved in some bright moves and Dominic Solanke jabbed a shot over but De Zerbi must have wanted the passing to be sharper. A slick exchange between Sidiki Cherif and Brandon Thomas-Asante was a reminder that this was not over.

Thomas-Asante surged past Jan Paul van Hecke and towards Antonin Kinsky, only for Micky van de Ven to intervene with a crucial challenge. Spurs did not heed the warning. A lethargic start to the second half featured Van Hecke ambling out of defence and losing the ball. Coventry countered, Rudoni pushing down the left. The midfielder exchanged passes with Caleb Yirenki and Spurs froze. Rudoni shot against Thomas-Asante, retrieved possession, chested the ball down and jabbed it past Kinsky to draw Coventry level.