By Nicole Powell
James Maddison made his first competitive start for Tottenham since May 2025 and did not waste any time showing his worth.
The 29-year-old played a vital role in Spurs getting their first Premier League win of the season after a struggle start that has seen them record three draws and three defeats.
Spurs beat Coventry 3-1 on Monday, October 19, with Maddison opening the scoring just 14 minutes into the game.
Coventry equalised shortly into the second half, before new signing Omar Marmoush scored his first Spurs goal nine minutes later, while Ben Davies made it 3-1 to secure three points for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
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Carragher full of praise for Maddison
While Tottenham had plenty to celebrate following their first league win of the season, Maddison’s return to the starting XI with a goal was a standout for many.
“James Maddison definitely has more panache than Conor Gallagher in that No.10 position,” said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football.
“It was a joy to see [his goal]. He is one of the real characters in the game and you don’t want him not around Premier League football.
“That was just a great moment. When you’re a player with an injury like that, there will be a fear: will you ever come back or will you be the same player?
“There is still a long way to go, but he still has a bit of magic in his boots!”
Maddison keen to show what he adds to the team
Maddison was happy with his performance after returning to the starting XI following a lengthy spell out of the team.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said, “I have so much more to give for this club. I’m 29 and I still have plenty of years left. I have self-belief and plenty of qualities that can help us in this league.
“I spoke to the gaffer about that this week and feeling like it was the right moment for me to go back into the starting XI after a stop-start start to the season.
“I just wanted to play well and to show my qualities and what the team has missed in the last 18 months since my last start. The gaffer asked me to play and wanted to enjoy watching me from the side, so hopefully I did that. A goal like that is always nice.”
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