It was only Spurs’ fourth Premier League victory of 2026. Having finished 17th in each of the previous two seasons, the north London club desperately needed something to celebrate. The return of their two most important creative players could also prove vital in the weeks ahead.
Maddison marks first start in 17 months with a goal
James Maddison set Tottenham on their way to a first league win of the season in the 14th minute. Making his first start since May 2025, the attacking midfielder curled a superb effort into the net from around 20 metres. Fittingly, his first competitive goal after such a lengthy injury absence came against Coventry, the club where he began his professional career.
The visitors struck back shortly after half-time, with Jack Rudoni equalising in the 49th minute. This time, however, Spurs refused to let the setback derail them. Omar Marmoush restored their lead in the 58th minute with a powerful long-range strike, opening his goalscoring account for Tottenham. Substitute Ben Davies then put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. The 3-1 victory lifted Spurs to 16th place with six points from seven matches.
Kulusevski ends 526-day wait for a comeback
The evening’s most emotional moment arrived shortly before the final whistle. In the 85th minute, De Zerbi introduced Dejan Kulusevski. The Sweden international had not played a competitive match since May 2025 because of serious knee problems. After 526 days away, he was finally back on the pitch.
Like Maddison, Kulusevski had suffered his injury towards the end of that season, with both players missing Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph over Manchester United.
While Maddison had managed a handful of substitute appearances in the meantime, Kulusevski had been forced to wait much longer. The reaction inside the stadium when the Swede entered the pitch reflected just how much his return meant. After the final whistle, Maddison and Kulusevski celebrated together in front of the supporters. For a team that had scored just three goals in its opening six league fixtures, their return could hardly have come at a better time.
How Tottenham went from Europa League winners to relegation candidates
Spurs’ decline has unfolded over several seasons. In 2024/25, Tottenham won the Europa League but finished a dismal 17th in the Premier League. Under Ange Postecoglou, the team struggled with injuries, defensive instability and an increasingly unbalanced style of play. Their European triumph could not entirely disguise the disappointment of their domestic campaign.
The subsequent change of manager failed to bring lasting improvement. Thomas Frank took charge in the summer of 2025 but was dismissed in February 2026. His successor, Igor Tudor, lasted only a few weeks. Results deteriorated further during his brief spell before Roberto De Zerbi was appointed at the end of March.
The Italian ultimately guided Tottenham to safety. A 1-0 victory over Everton on the final day secured their Premier League survival, but Spurs once again finished 17th.
Several factors contributed to the collapse. Frequent managerial changes prevented the development of a consistent playing identity, while the absence of Maddison and Kulusevski deprived the side of two of its most dangerous attacking players. Further injuries, defensive shortcomings and poor finishing compounded the problems.
Why Maddison and Kulusevski could transform Spurs’ attack
Despite substantial investment in the squad over the summer, Tottenham made another disappointing start to the new season. Their opening six league matches yielded just three points and three goals.
Against deep-lying opponents in particular, a familiar problem emerged: Spurs struggled to find space between defensive lines and create clear chances from sustained possession.
Maddison and Kulusevski could help address those weaknesses. Maddison possesses the vision and passing ability to break through organised defences with incisive forward balls. He also offers a genuine goal threat from distance.
Kulusevski combines physical strength with excellent awareness and intelligent movement. The Swede can drift inside from the right flank, link up with teammates and create opportunities in dangerous areas.
Together, they give De Zerbi additional options for implementing his attacking philosophy. After such lengthy absences, however, both will need time to rediscover their best form.
A first step towards recovery
Despite the 3-1 victory, Tottenham were still some way short of a convincing performance against Coventry. Their build-up play lacked pace and precision for long periods, and the result ultimately owed much to individual quality and a stronger response to adversity.
Nevertheless, the win represents an important breakthrough for Spurs. After months of frustration, they responded to conceding an equaliser and finally secured all three points.
There will be little time to savour the result, with a considerably tougher challenge awaiting them away to Chelsea at the weekend. At least De Zerbi can now call upon Maddison and Kulusevski, two players Tottenham have sorely missed for so long.
