James Maddison scored a brilliant opener on his first start in 18 months after his injury nightmare to lift Tottenham off the bottom of the table

James Maddison scored a wondergoal to give Tottenham their first Premier League win of the season and admitted it made all the “dark days” worthwhile.

Maddison scored a brilliant opener on his first start in 18 months after his injury nightmare to lift Tottenham off the bottom of the table.

It was a night of comebacks as fit-again Dejan Kulusevski also came on to a brilliant ovation on his first Spurs appearance since May 2025.

Spurs midfielder Maddison said: “Without going too deep into it, they were dark days during rehab.

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"You dream of those moments, those goals, that's always the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt emotional for Dejan Kulusevski, because I know exactly that feeling, after that time out. Those sort of goals make it all worth it.

“I spoke to the gaffer about this week whether it was the right moment to come into the first XI after a bit of a stop-start start to the season.

“I just wanted to play well, show my qualities and what I bring to the team and what the team has missed the last 18 months. The gaffer asked me to play and he wanted to enjoy watching me from the sidelines, hopefully I did that.”

Kulusevski told Sky: “The reaction from the fans made it all worthwhile - I never gave up on this moment.”

Coventry boss Frank Lampard said: “Very pleased with the performance. We were in the game to say the least. Two outstanding goals for them, the second was questionable because the arm up in the face but quality finish.

”I am proud of the performance. 3-1 feels nasty at the end because of the last goal. We created some good moments. We wanted to start well as they start well in every game they have played here but haven't got what they deserved.”