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SOCCER

Maddison and Kulusevski Return as Tottenham End Winless Start

Maddison scored on his first start since May 2025 as Spurs beat Coventry 3-1, with Kulusevski returning after 526 days.

James Maddison celebrates with Tottenham teammates during the Coventry match.
James Maddison celebrates with teammates during Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Coventry on October 19, 2026. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur. · Credit: Tottenham Hotspur

James Maddison scored on his first start since May 1, 2025, and Dejan Kulusevski made his competitive return as Tottenham beat Coventry City 3-1 on Monday for their first Premier League win of the season.

Spurs had gone six league games without a victory. The result at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium moved them off the bottom and into 16th, according to the club’s match report.

Maddison opened the scoring in the 14th minute, curling in Mohammed Kudus’ pass. Jack Rudoni equalized five minutes after halftime before Omar Marmoush restored Tottenham’s lead in the 59th minute with his first goal for the club.

Kulusevski replaced Kudus in the 87th minute. The club said the Swedish forward had been out for 17 months and was making his first competitive appearance in 526 days.

Ben Davies secured the win six minutes into stoppage time after Dominic Solanke laid the ball into his path. Maddison’s starting return and Kulusevski’s late appearance gave Tottenham two significant personnel developments alongside the result.

Tottenham’s next league assignment is Chelsea away on Saturday. See the Premier League viewing guide for U.S. and Canadian broadcast information.

Sources and notes

  1. https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/1179187/three-points-on-memorable-night-against-coventry (October 19 match report)
  2. https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4688862/fixture-amendments-for-premier-league-matches-in-october-and-november (next league fixture)