Maddison scores on Tottenham return as Spurs beat Coventry

James Maddison marked his first Tottenham start in 18 months with a goal as Spurs beat Coventry City 3-1 to claim their first Premier League win of the season and move off the bottom of the table. [1]

Maddison, 29, had missed most of last season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season, then fractured his shoulder in Tottenham’s opening-weekend defeat at Brentford this campaign. He opened the scoring in the 14th minute, turning Mohammed Kudus’s pass into a first-time, 20-yard finish.

Jack Rudoni equalised for Coventry before Omar Marmoush restored Tottenham’s lead. Ben Davies sealed the win in stoppage time after a mistake by goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. The final margin was flattering to Spurs, according to BBC Sport’s match report.

Maddison was substituted in the 69th minute to a standing ovation. “I just wanted to play well and show my abilities, show what the team has missed the last 18 months,” he told Sky Sports. [1]

Tottenham’s victory ended a difficult run, but the BBC noted that it was only their sixth win in 37 home league games. Dejan Kulusevski also returned from a knee injury, appearing as a substitute in the 87th minute after 526 days out.

Spurs next face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. [1]