'Son Heung-min leaves → dead last among 92 teams': Tottenham saved by Maddison! First goal in return match after 536 days, "Found the light at the end of a dark tunnel"

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James Maddison (30), making his first start in 536 days, scored a stunning goal to lead Tottenham to their first victory in seven opening matches.

On the 20th (Korean time), at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, in the home match against Coventry City in Round 7 of the 2026-2027 English Premier League (EPL) season, Tottenham won 3-1 with consecutive goals from Maddison, Omar Marmoush, and Ben Davies.

It was a league victory after 148 days and the latest first win among the 92nd clubs in England's top four divisions. With a record of one win, three draws, and three losses (six points), Tottenham climbed from last place to 16th in the league standings.

After ace Son Heung-min (LAFC) departed, Tottenham poured over 308 million pounds (approximately 546.5 billion won) into the summer transfer market. However, they suffered severe slumps, including a drought of just three goals before their first win and a slide into the relegation zone.

Maddison, who returned from injury, fired the signal for a turnaround. In the 14th minute of the first half, he received a pass from Mohamed Kudus and scored the opening goal with a sharp right-footed no-touch curling shot from outside the penalty box. He directly proved his scoring ability in his first start after a full 536 days since tearing his right knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a tour of Korea last August.

The UK's 'The Sun' reported on the 20th, "Maddison opened up about the dark days he had been going through after scoring the opening goal." In a post-match interview with the UK's 'Sky Sports,' Maddison shared his overflowing feelings, saying, "Everyone dreams of moments like this. During those dark days recovering from an ACL injury, I dreamed of exactly these moments and goals. That is always the light at the end of the tunnel."

Dejan Kulusevski also returned to break a 526-day absence in today's match. Maddison said, "My emotions were overwhelming today, and I was truly proud of Dejan Kulusevski. Because I know exactly how it feels to step back onto the pitch after being out for such a long time. These moments and goals make all that suffering worthwhile."

Maddison also shared the behind-the-scenes story of his return to the starting lineup. He said, "I hoped I could have this kind of impact. I spoke with the manager this week, and as someone who started the season nervously, I felt now was the right time to return to the starting XI."

He emphasized, "I just wanted to play a good game and show what the team had been missing since my last start 18 months ago, along with my qualities."

Maddison revealed his satisfaction, saying, "The manager told me to go out there and that he would enjoy watching me play from the sideline. I hope my performance lived up to the manager's expectations. A wonderful goal like that always feels good."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original