LONDON: James Maddison marked his return to Tottenham Hotspur’s starting line-up with a goal as Roberto De Zerbi’s side beat Coventry City 3-1 on Monday to secure their first Premier League victory of the season.
Making his first start in 17 months, Maddison opened the scoring before Omar Marmoush and substitute Ben Davies sealed the points after Jack Rudoni had equalised for the visitors.
The goals
Maddison struck in the 14th minute, curling an effort into the top corner after receiving the ball from Mohammed Kudus.
Coventry restored parity four minutes into the second half when Rudoni converted from close range after a loose ball fell back into his path.
Manchester City loanee Marmoush restored Tottenham’s lead in the 58th minute with a powerful strike from distance. Veteran defender Davies added a third in stoppage time, securing a crucial victory for De Zerbi.
Maddison’s long road back
The 29-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in August 2025. His first start since then ended with the kind of moment supporters had waited for.
“I just wanted to play well, I just wanted to show my qualities and show what I bring to the team and what the team’s missed in the last 18 months or whatever it is from my last start,” Maddison said. “So the gaffer asked me to play and he wanted to enjoy watching me from the side, so hopefully I did that.”
He added that he remained confident in his ability to help Tottenham climb the table: “I’m 29, I’ve still got plenty of years left, and I have a lot of self-belief, and I know that I have quality that can really help us in this league.”
Dejan Kulusevski returned to the matchday squad and received a warm reception when introduced late on.
What it means
Tottenham entered the contest bottom of the Premier League, having failed to win any of their league matches this season despite significant summer spending. The result lifted them to 16th in the standings, easing the pressure on De Zerbi as they look to avoid another relegation battle.
FAQs
What was the score between Tottenham and Coventry?
Tottenham won 3-1. Maddison opened the scoring, Rudoni equalised, and Marmoush and Davies sealed the win.
When did James Maddison last start for Tottenham?
Monday’s match was his first start in 17 months, following an ACL rupture in August 2025.
Where are Tottenham in the Premier League table?
The win lifted them to 16th.
