Ben Davies’ 96th-Minute Winner Ends Spurs’ Seven-Game Wait for Victory
Ben Davies struck in the 96th minute to give Tottenham a dramatic 3-2 win over Coventry at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ending a seven-game wait for their first victory of the season and lifting Roberto De Zerbi’s side out of the relegation zone.
James Maddison had put Spurs ahead before Coventry wiped out that advantage within four minutes of the second half. Omar Marmoush then restored Tottenham’s lead, but another late collapse appeared possible until Davies’ effort slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth.
The victory moves Spurs up to 17th, although they remain only six points behind fifth-placed Liverpool. It was a much-needed release after another difficult start, following consecutive 17th-place finishes and major spending during the latest transfer window.
De Zerbi kept Tottenham up last term after arriving with a reputation for demanding high standards and a clear tactical identity from his Brighton days. His task now is to turn one late escape into sustained improvement, with doubts still evident around a squad that has repeatedly struggled to protect leads.
Poyet urges patience over European push
Gus Poyet believes Tottenham should not rush into targets of a top-six finish despite the gap to the European places. He sees this campaign primarily as a recovery year in which De Zerbi must establish his approach, improve the group’s mentality and remove the fear of defeat.
Poyet said the club’s investment means a top-10 finish should be the minimum aim, with European qualification a possible bonus, but he warned against setting expectations too high after the previous two seasons and the opening weeks of this one.
He pointed to the tension inside the stadium while Spurs were leading Coventry 2-1, suggesting most supporters expected the game to finish level. Davies’ unlikely winner, he added, offered an important first step in changing that mindset.
Tottenham now face three matches before the November international break. They travel to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea on Saturday, host Crystal Palace and then visit Leeds at Elland Road.
