Davies ensures Spurs off the underside after first win of season in opposition to Coventry

Tottenham are stage with Beyoncé ultimately. Progress is represented in Roberto De Zerbi’s facet incomes solely their sixth dwelling win within the Premier League since November 2024. Cynics will level out that this spectacular stadium has hosted as many Beyoncé gigs throughout that point, however Spurs are lastly singing a happier tune after dragging themselves out of the underside three due to a messy however gritty 3-1 win over Coventry.

It was not particularly convincing. Coventry raged on the second Spurs purpose, delivered when Omar Marmoush responded to Jack Rudoni’s equaliser for the guests with a vicious effort within the 59th minute. Relief poured out of Marmoush after his first purpose since becoming a member of on mortgage from Manchester City, however ought to it have stood? The Egyptian ahead, who in any other case had a quiet sport, was lucky to not be penalised for an elbow on Milan van Ewijk.

Frank Lampard appeared bewildered. The night time belonged to Spurs, who’ve their first win of the season. James Maddison marked his first begin in 536 days by opening the scoring with an excellent purpose. Ben Davies, on as an alternative, calmed the nerves by drilling within the third purpose in added time and the house followers have been additionally cheered by Dejan Kulusevski approaching to make his first look after greater than a season out.

The hope for Spurs was that the sight of Kulusevski on the bench would give the group an emotional carry. The Swede was again within the squad for the primary time since sustaining a knee damage in May 2025 and has been missed. Spurs, who’ve struggled with out Kuluseveki’s creativity, wanted to cling to the positivity after their resolute draw at Manchester United.

The encouraging factor is that they’ve been beginning video games properly. This time, although, there have been some early jitters after De Zerbi’s change to a again three. Mohammed Kudus was a shock alternative as an attacking proper wing-back, Archie Gray partnered Sandro Tonali in midfield and Coventry had the primary likelihood, a quick break ending with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto watching his deflected shot spin over.

There have been a couple of groans, however Spurs confirmed uncommon psychological fortitude and struck by one other creator rebuilding his profession after severe damage. Kudus, energetic and direct, supplied the spark with a dart previous Jay Dasilva. The Ghanaian laid a move off to Maddison and the No 10, whose each contact had been booed by Coventry supporters apparently nonetheless seething with the England overseas leaving his boyhood membership 10 years in the past, used his proper instep to beat Carl Rushworth with a crisp bending shot from 25 yards.

It was a beautiful motion for Maddison, who beamed at his first purpose since scoring in a Europa League semi-final in opposition to Bodø/Glimt on 1 May 2025. He slogged by his rehab, by no means giving in, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Even Lampard needed to smile when Maddison tracked again to cease a counterattack and apologised after smashing the ball into the Coventry bench.

Coventry have been gradual to reply. Not that Spurs have been flowing earlier than half-time. Maddison was concerned in some vivid strikes and Dominic Solanke jabbed a shot over however De Zerbi should have wished the passing to be sharper. A slick alternate between Sidiki Cherif and Brandon Thomas-Asante was a reminder that this was not over. Thomas-Asante surged previous Jan Paul van Hecke and in the direction of Antonin Kinsky, just for Micky van de Ven to intervene with an important problem.

Spurs didn’t heed the warning. A torpid begin to the second half featured Van Hecke ambling out of defence and shedding the ball. Coventry countered, Rudoni pushing down the left. The midfielder exchanged passes with Caleb Yirenkyi and Spurs froze. Rudoni shot in opposition to Thomas-Asante, retrieved possession, chested the ball down and jabbed it previous Kinsky to attract Coventry stage.

Stung into motion, Spurs raised the depth and Tonali despatched two pictures over. Coventry appeared unsure however they raged when the house facet regained their lead. Marmoush took a move, turned and caught Van Ewijk within the face with an elbow. Yet Andrew Madley permitted play to proceed with the Coventry right-back on the ground, permitting Marmoush to spin into house and blast an beautiful shot previous Rushworth from 20 yards.

It was a surprising means for the Egyptian to attain for the primary time since May. There was no intervention from Paul Tierney, the video assistant referee, and the away finish reacted with astonishment when the purpose was replayed on the large screens.

Coventry have been fired by a way of injustice. They pushed for one more equaliser and produced a spell of concerted strain, just for Spurs to defend their field with dedication.

De Zerbi sought extra power by bringing on Mateus Fernandes and Conor Gallagher. The Italian took his squad to Marbella for some heat climate coaching final week. Spurs, who pushed Coventry into seventeenth place, will hope sunnier occasions are on the best way.