LONDON — Tottenham have finally secured their first Premier League win of the season against Coventry City, with James Maddison marking his return to the starting line-up in style. The midfielder, who toned down his goal celebration out of respect for his boyhood club where he started his career, struck brilliantly on his first start for 18 months to inspire Spurs to victory.
Maddison earned the highest mark of the night with an 8, described as always prompting and probing and revelling in his return until understandably tiring. Micky van de Ven also impressed with a 7 after a superb tackle to deny Brandon Thomas-Asante in the first half and a solid all-round display, while for Coventry Jack Rudoni scored 7 after showing great determination to bustle through for his goal and Bobby Thomas matched that mark as a tower of strength in defence with a vital headed clearance.
Elsewhere for Spurs, Antonin Kinsky was given a 5 after fumbling a first-half corner and struggling with his feet, while Jan Paul van Hecke also scored 5 following a disappointing night that included losing possession for Coventry's goal despite one brave clearance. Tosin Adarabioyo was powerful in the air and did well in the physical challenges for a 6 until going off injured, Archie Gray was busy and creative for a 6, Sandro Tonali showed occasional flashes but scored 6 as he still struggles to justify his £100m price tag, Andrew Robertson offered trademark surging runs for a 6 before picking up an injury, Mohammed Kudus endured a mixed night for a 5, Omar Marmoush scored 6 after following a difficult spell with a superb goal and Dominic Solanke was tireless for a 5.
Ben Davies, introduced on 69 minutes for Robertson, made an immediate impact with a 6 and got himself a goal, while Carl Rushworth in the Coventry goal was given a 5 after having no chance with the first two strikes but enduring a horror show for Davies' third. Ethan Pinnock was dependable for a 6 as Coventry looked solid and well-organised at the back, Milan van Ewijk threatened with long throws for a 6, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto offered dangerous deliveries for a 6 and Sidiki Cherif showed nice lay-offs for a 6 before hurting his shoulder in an awkward fall, while Jay Dasilva, Caleb Yirenkyi and Matt Grimes all scored 5s. Conor Gallagher and Mateus Fernandes, both introduced on 69 minutes for Maddison and Tosin, had little impact with 5s, Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi, introduced on 60 minutes, had little effect, and Ephron Mason-Clark and Kaine Kesler-Hayden were introduced late on.