Dejan Kulusevski returns as Tottenham beat Coventry 3:1
Kulusevski made a late comeback after 526 days; Tottenham earned their first Premier League victory of the season.
Tottenham Hotspur finally registered their first win of the Premier League season, beating Coventry 3:1 at home on 19 October 2026 — a night that also saw the return of Dejan Kulusevski after a long absence.
Late appearance ends a 526-day wait
The opening goal came in the 14th minute from Madison to put Spurs ahead, but Coventry — coached by Frank Lampard — levelled early in the second half through Rudoni in the 49th minute. Tottenham regained control with strikes from Marmush and Davis to secure the 3:1 result.
Dejan Kulusevski, the Swedish international of Ohrid origin who also represented North Macedonia at youth level, made his first appearance for Tottenham in 526 days. Kulusevski had suffered a serious injury in May 2025 that required two operations, and he was introduced in the 87th minute as a substitute for Kuduz.
The timing of his comeback was notable: Kulusevski had been considered one of Tottenham's key players before the injury, and his late appearance drew applause from the home supporters as Roberto De Zerbi's side celebrated their first league victory of the campaign.
The match was played as part of matchday seven of the Premier League. The win lifts pressure on De Zerbi’s squad as they look to build momentum after a difficult start to the season.
Photo: press material from the event
