James Maddison gave Spurs the lead after 14 minutes, on his first competitive start since May 2025, as he whipped a superb right-footed shot into the far corner from the edge of the box.
Coventry equalised four minutes after the break as Jack Rudoni turned home from close range after some tepid Spurs defending before Omar Marmoush bent in a wonderful right-footed shot from just outside the area to restore the hosts’ lead in the 58th minute.
Ben Davies then sealed the three points as he scuffed a left-footed effort with the outside of his foot that squeezed under Carl Rushworth in the Coventry net.
Sam Tabuteau was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players…
Antonin Kinsky 4: A few uncertain moments when coming to claim crosses into his box early on, and had to do better to keep out Rudoni’s equaliser.
Tosin Adarabioyo 5: Composed when covering in behind but slow to react to Coventry’s equaliser as the ball bobbled around in the area. Replaced by Mateus Fernandes as De Zerbi changed his system to see out the game.
Jan Paul van Hecke 5: It was Van Hecke who ran into trouble for Coventry’s equaliser. Made a crucial block to divert Tatsuhiro Sakamonto’s shot over the bar in the first-half, but struggled with Coventry’s runners all evening. Played a vital role as Spurs dropped deep and defended crosses into their area late on. Committed but erratic.
Micky van de Ven 7: Made a superb last-ditch tackle to deny Brandon Thomas Asante in the first-half and was the most composed of the three Spurs centre-backs on the pitch.
Andy Robertson 7: Stretched the game in behind, constantly an option out wide, and dealt well defensively considering he did not get much help from Marmoush. Came off with what looks to be an injury.
Archie Gray 8: Restored to his favoured position, Gray provided plenty of work off the ball, covering the most ground of any player on the pitch. Complemented Tonali well at the base of midfield. Dropped into defence as Spurs looked to see out the game.
Sandro Tonali 8: An industrious performance and some nice moments when he was able to turn on the ball and look for a pass into the 18-yard box. Put a couple of rasping efforts over the bar as Spurs tried to regain the lead, but should have done better as Rudoni held him off to squeeze in the equaliser.
Mohammed Kudus 8: Had the physical edge on Jay Dasilva all night. Held off the Coventry full-back’s attention to tee up Maddison on the edge of the box. Brings power and quality to Spurs’ frontline.
James Maddison 9: It just had to be him. On his first competitive start since May 2025, the England midfielder curled Spurs into the lead with a wonderful whipped effort. Dictated the pace and gave Spurs control with his intelligence and movement.
Omar Marmoush 7: Struggled defensively, leaving Robertson exposed early on as he ambled back to help defend a Coventry counter and was too weak as Rudoni got goal-side to score the equaliser. Showed his quality, though, to restore Spurs’ lead with his first goal for the club.
Dominic Solanke 6: An energetic performance that lacked cutting edge. The nine-day break between games looks to have done him good as he builds back his fitness.
Substitutes:
Conor Gallagher 7: His energy helped push Spurs up the pitch. Was at times on a one man mission to stop Spurs retreating back into their own box.
Ben Davies 8: Came on to shore up Spurs defensively but ended up sealing the three points with a scuffed effort with the outside of his boot that squirmed past Rushworth.
Mateus Fernandes 6: Kept things ticking in the middle of the park. A big decision from De Zerbi not to start him.
Mathys Tel 7: Had a chance to finish the game off when he drove from deep before curling the ball over the bar and was involved in the build up to Spurs’ third goal.
Dejan Kulusevski 7: Cheered onto a rapturous applause as he made his first appearance in a Spurs shirt for 526 days. Did not look off the pace as he chased a number of loose balls into space.
Unused: Dubravka, Senesi, Olusesi, Williams-Barnett.