Boy, did Tottenham need that.

This was simply a must-win for Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham; the thought of losing yet again this season was unfathomable. And win they did.

Coventry City at home felt like almost the perfect fixture to finally end Spurs' winless run, even if they had won their last two games.

However, this is Tottenham; they didn't make it easy for themselves.

Jack Rudoni cancelled out James Maddison's pearler of a first-half effort and it felt like De Zerbi's woes may well continue at the start of this season.

But crackers from Omar Marmoush and Ben Davies, sandwiched either side of Dejan Kulusevski's special return from injury, got the job done eventually for the north London side. Now they just have to try and kick on.

Anyway, I need to leave this stadium now as the announcer keeps belting out that it's about to close. Really better skidaddle.

But as always, thanks for joining and we will see you soon.

It was a night of firsts for Tottenham...

A first first-half goal this season. A first lead at half-time this season. And a first second-half win of the season.

Want more?

Well, of course, as you know, it was their first home win this season because it was their first win of any kind this season.

Right, that is enough of the words 'first' and 'season', me thinks.

Stats courtesy of Boyle Sports Premier League odds

James Maddison statistics against Coventry City:

• 100% duels won (4/4)
• 70 touches
• 22 final third passes
• 4x possession won
• 4 fouls won
• 2 shots
• 1 shot on target
• 1 chance created
• 1 goal

Stats provided by Squawka

It really was a feel-good evening here, wasn't it?

We have already spoken about how lovely it was to see Dejan Kulusevski make his return, but it was almost as equally pleasing to see James Maddison score.

He too had a nightmare ACL injury that kept him out for almost a full season last term.

Today was his first start at Tottenham since the 2024-25 campaign, which is crazy, and boy did he take his opportunity. His opening goal was one hell of a strike.

It's nice to see the lad back smiling again, and shining too.

James Maddison, Tottenham goalscorer, on Sky Sports:

On his goal:

Tottenham fans will be fairly unfamiliar with what they are feeling right now. You know, that feeling when you have watched your team win at home.

Not only was that their first victory of this season, but it was also a very rare one at their own stadium.

It is only the sixth time in their last 37 home matches in the Premier League that Spurs have come away with a win.

I know, I know... my jaw is on the floor too.

What did I say?

I told you the noise from the fans was loud when Dejan Kulusevski came off the bench.

Just watch this video and listen to the cheers. You can't help but smile when watching this clip. Well, I can't.

I will never forget the moment Dejan Kulusevski put the Tottenham shirt back on and got ready to come onto the pitch.

The noise was quite incredible.

I said it during the match and I will say it again: the cheer was louder than that generated after the first two Tottenham goals.

It was such a special moment for Kulusevski who has endured absolute hell over the last 18 months. That reception must have made every part of his rehabilitation feel worth it, though.

And he didn't look half bad, either. Sure, there was some ring rust as to be expected after 526 days out injured, but he had his moments, like when he raced away down the right-hand side.

It will just take some time for him to get close to his former levels again.

He deserves that time.

Jack Rudoni, Coventry goalscorer, on Sky Sports:

There is that smile... sort of.

Roberto De Zerbi has a face like a smacked bottom for a lot of that game, but he did conjure up a slight smile come full-time.

Deep down, he will be both delighted and relieved that his Tottenham side are finally off the mark.

Now he just needs to make sure that they go again and build on that victory, challenging higher up the table.

That Marbella trip seems to have done the trick, thus far.

Tottenham will prefer the look of this Premier League table compared to before the game.

They are off the bottom, out of the relegation zone and have their first win on the board.

The fact that being 16th is something to celebrate isn't exactly a good sign of where they are at, mind.

But I guess you have to take the win and not complain.

They don't get much better than this.

Omar Marmoush showed on occasion that he loves a screamer when at Manchester City, and now he has smashed one in for Tottenham.

Now, I think there may well have been a foul on Milan van Ewijk in the build-up, but take nothing away from the finish. Majestic.

Watch and enjoy.