Maddison Scores on Tottenham Return as Kulusevski Makes Emotional Comeback
James Maddison marked his first Tottenham start for 536 days with the opening goal of a vital win, while Dejan Kulusevski made an emotional second-half return after 17 months out injured as Spurs climbed away from the foot of the table.
Maddison, recovering from successive knee ligament injuries, required only 14 minutes to make an impact. The England international met the chance with a deft first-time effort that sailed over goalkeeper Carl Rushworth before celebrating in front of the home support with his familiar darts-themed gesture.
It was Maddison’s first goal since Tottenham’s Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt during the 2024-25 campaign. After the match, he described the strike as the kind of moment he had focused on throughout the difficult stages of his ACL recovery.
“Those are the moments you imagine,” Maddison said. “After the dark days last year and the ACL rehabilitation, you think about scoring goals like that. It is the light at the end of the tunnel.”
His inclusion from the outset followed discussions with Roberto De Zerbi, who had managed Maddison carefully after an interrupted opening to the season. The midfielder felt he was ready to return to the starting side and wanted to demonstrate what he could offer Tottenham after such an extended absence.
Maddison said he had approached the manager during the week about starting, believing it was time to test himself in a competitive match. He added that De Zerbi had told him to play his game and that he hoped his performance had given the manager something to enjoy from the touchline.
عودة كولوسيفسكي تضيف دفعة لتوتنهام
Kulusevski’s introduction later in the game provided another significant lift. The Sweden international received a standing ovation as he came on, ending a 17-month spell sidelined by injury.
The contest had already become physically demanding. Omar Marmoush restored Tottenham’s lead in the 58th minute, but three players subsequently had to leave the field with fitness problems. Maddison said he was particularly moved by Kulusevski’s return because he understood the feeling of stepping back onto the pitch after a long rehabilitation.
“I was emotional and very proud of Dejan,” Maddison said. “I know what it is like to come back after that amount of time. Goals and moments like these are what make all the hard work worthwhile.”
The result takes Tottenham from last place to 16th, level with Coventry on six points and above their opponents on goal difference. Spurs now face a demanding trip to Stamford Bridge, where they will meet London rivals Chelsea seeking to build on a much-needed victory.
