Tottenham Hotspur claimed their first Premier League win of the season as they defeated Coventry City 3-1 on Monday night.
The night belonged to the returning James Maddison, who was making his first start for the club in 536 days following a serious knee injury, as the playmaker netted a stunning opening goal with a fine strike into the top corner after just 14 minutes.
Jack Rudoni equalised for the visitors in the second half, before Omar Marmoush got his first goal for the club, and veteran Ben Davies scored in the 95th minute to wrap up all three points and move Spurs off the foot of the table.
While Tottenham claimed the win, there was some disappointment over the performance of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who allowed the Coventry goal to go in far too easily, while the likes of Dominic Solanke and Tosin also struggled on the night.
But while Maddison was excellent, there was another player who was arguably just as good as him, and is deserving of some major credit for how he has played this season.
Archie Gray has been seen as the cover for Pedro Porro at right-back for much of the campaign so far, but against Coventry the youngster was handed the chance to play in his preferred central midfield position alongside Sandro Tonali.
With Lucas Bergvall injured and Rodrigo Bentancur suspended following his red card at Man Utd, the expectation was that Mateus Fernandes or Conor Gallagher would start. But instead, it was Gray who got the nod, and he took the opportunity with both hands.
The 20-year-old created two chances, made nine defensive contributions, won 60% of his ground duels, and won both of the tackles he attempted. The brilliant star also moved from midfield to right-back later in the half, with Tosin going off injured, showing his versatility, and his performance earned him a strong 8/10 rating from Football London's Alasdair Gold.
Gray Has Earned a Regular Starting Spot
Many have tipped Gray to become a future Tottenham captain, but with the strength and depth that Spurs have in their squad, De Zerbi isn't always inclined to select him from the start.
But his performances this season have surely done enough to earn him a spot in the team, whether it's at right-back or in midfield, and De Zerbi cannot drop him out of the side now that the team has finally picked up a victory.
With Porro still sidelined, Bentancur still suspended, and question marks over both Bergvall and Mateus Fernandes at this stage, Gray should be expecting to be in the starting lineup against Chelsea at the weekend. If not, then something has gone seriously wrong, as Spurs are infinitely better with him in the side than without him.