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.

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.

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Frank Lampard looked bewildered. 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. Ben Davies, on as a 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.

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 sustaining a knee injury in May 2025 and has been missed. Spurs, who have struggled without Kuluseveki’s creativity, needed to cling to the positivity after their resolute draw at Manchester United.

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 watching his 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.

It was a lovely movement for Maddison, who beamed at his first goal since scoring in a Europa League semi-final against Bodø/Glimt on 1 May 2025. He slogged through his rehab, never giving in, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Even Lampard had to smile when Maddison tracked back to stop a counterattack and apologised after smashing the ball into the Coventry bench.

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 Yirenkyi and Spurs froze. Rudoni shot against Thomas-Asante, retrieved possession, chested the ball down and jabbed it past Kinsky to draw Coventry level.

Stung into action, Spurs raised the intensity and Tonali sent two shots over. Coventry looked uncertain but they raged when the home side regained their lead. Marmoush took a pass, turned and caught Van Ewijk in the face with an elbow. Yet Andrew Madley permitted play to continue with the Coventry right-back on the floor, allowing Marmoush to spin into space and blast an exquisite 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 intervention from Paul Tierney, the video assistant referee, and the away end reacted with astonishment when the goal was replayed on the big screens.

Coventry were fired by a sense of injustice. They pushed for another equaliser and produced a spell of concerted pressure, only for Spurs to defend their box with determination.

De Zerbi sought more energy by bringing on Mateus Fernandes and Conor Gallagher. The Italian took his squad to Marbella for some warm weather training last week. Spurs, who pushed Coventry into 17th place, will hope sunnier times are on the way.