Goal.com

A sports journalist with nearly a decade of experience, beginning the professional journey at Indonesia's legendary Tabloid BOLA from 2017 until its final print edition in December 2018. Following that, joining GOAL, contributing as a freelance writer for FIFA, and working within the media department of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF). Alongside the journalism career, also active as a live play-by-play commentator for Indonesian football since 2017. Holds a bachelor's degree in History from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung.

Football Story

Footballing identity built on geography, heritage, and childhood obsession. Although the father played for a traditional rival club, nine years living in Bandung made Persib a spiritual home, sparked in 2006 by Thai goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool and witnessing firsthand how deeply locals own the club. Globally, the first true love was Ronaldo and Inter Milan, enduring the heartbreak of near-misses during injury-plagued years. With Dutch roots in Rotterdam, making Feyenoord the club of choice, the Netherlands national team has always remained close to the heart, highlighted by the 2010 World Cup final, a live 2013 friendly against Indonesia, and Oranje Indonesia watch parties. Arjen Robben and Giovanni van Bronckhorst remain ultimate favorites, while Football Manager 2005 sparked a lasting admiration for Athletic Bilbao’s philosophy. Outside football, allegiance lies with the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors through icons like Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose, and Stephen Curry.

Areas of Expertise

Areas of expertise span Indonesian football and Liga 1 data insights and unique features, alongside Southeast Asian and East Asian football landscapes covering Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and Korea. Additional skills include digital and social media video content creation such as Instagram reels and podcasts, as well as player profiling, feature writing, live broadcasting, interviewing, photography, and multilingual communication in basic français and español .

Favourite Footballing Memory

Combining a passion for backpacking with professional assignments has made it possible to pursue two goals simultaneously. Meeting and interviewing various Indonesian players pursuing careers or currently based abroad, ranging from across Southeast Asia to Europe, has been an absolute privilege and honor. Traveling independently through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Japan to track down and connect with Indonesian players competing abroad remains a truly cherished experience. Crafting interview content with them is a body of work that will always hold a special place in memory.

My All-Time XI

It’s tough to lock down a definitive starting XI, but the non-negotiables are Manuel Neuer or Rogério Ceni in goal; alongside Javier Zanetti, Sergio Ramos, N'Golo Kanté, Toni Kroos, Arjen Robben, Mo Salah, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Juan Román Riquelme or Michael Laudrup most likely complete the tactical puzzle. While legends like Lothar Matthäus, Zinedine Zidane, and Ronaldo are impossible to overlook, they were left out simply because they feature in everyone else's lineup.

Italian Roberto De Zerbi, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, has hinted at his frustration with Chelsea's repeated signings of players from his former club Brighton, but he insists he needs no extra motivation when his side visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea have spent more than £300 million to sign 16 players and staff members from Brighton since the BlueCo group completed its takeover of the club in May 2022.

De Zerbi took charge at Brighton in September of that year, after Graham Potter left the club to join Chelsea's technical leadership.

Over his two-year spell, Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Moisés Caicedo from Brighton for £115 million and Marc Cucurella for £63 million. They also brought in goalkeeper Robert Sánchez for £25 million and landed Paul Winstanley and Sam Jewell in recruitment roles.

Asked for his view of all that, De Zerbi said on Friday, as reported by ESPN: "What do you think? (Not great?), no, not at all. They bought good players: Caicedo, João Pedro, and Welbeck now, Facundo Buonanotte, Valentín Barco, Robert Sánchez, and Levi Colwill."

The Italian coach added: "I am always motivated whether against Chelsea or any other team. When you work at Brighton, you work to make the club happy. And to make your club happy, you sometimes need to sell players, because players want and push to leave for a bigger club. This is football, and it is a natural part of it."

His focus instead fell on Tottenham's dismal record at Stamford Bridge, where the side have won just once in 33 Premier League visits.

De Zerbi continued: "For me, this is an additional motivation, and I want the players to use this negative record to give us more drive, mentality and energy to win the match, because we have enough quality to achieve victory."

On the fitness front, Pedro Porro, Andy Robertson and Omar Marmoush are all ready to face Chelsea.

Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie (both knee injuries) and Savinho (a muscle injury) all remain sidelined, and Rodrigo Bentancur is out through suspension.

A doubt hangs over James Maddison after he scored in his first start in almost 18 months against Coventry City last Monday. Dejan Kulusevski is also being assessed following his return in the same match after a 526-day absence.

Tottenham’s difficult start to the campaign appears to have reached a turning point following a 3-1 victory over Coventry on Monday night. After a testing period that saw the North London club languishing at the bottom of the table, De Zerbi pointed toward a shift in psychological approach. The manager revealed that a candid squad meeting held prior to their resilient 1-1 draw at Manchester United laid the groundwork for their recent improvement in form and spirit.

De Zerbi emphasized that tactical tweaks were secondary to the human element within the dressing room. “It’s important. The result is important but most important, two things. First one, we are able to realise we can win a game like other teams in the Premier League. The second thing, if we put [in] something from ourselves like we have done in the last two weeks. The day before Old Trafford we had a big meeting and spoke about the situation. We can’t accept and can’t move on if we don’t accept responsibility,” the Spurs manager revealed.

De Zerbi took his squad on a warm-weather training camp to Marbella last week, aiming to strengthen team unity away from the pressures of their routine schedule. The manager emphasized that the getaway was crucial for fostering genuine camaraderie, explaining that spending quality time together off the pitch helps transform the squad into a close-knit, family-like collective. He believes that this emotional bond is essential when adversity strikes during competition.

“This week has been important because we spend time together and want to be like a family. During the game if you have a problem and there is a tough situation you have to play for your friend and your brother, not like 11 robot players on the pitch," he said.

A significant factor in Tottenham's resurgence has been the return of key personnel from long-term injury layoffs. James Maddison made his first competitive start in 536 days, marking the occasion with a spectacular opening goal that reminded the home faithful of his creative quality. The evening was further bolstered by the emotional return of Dejan Kulusevski, who stepped onto the pitch for the first time since sustaining a serious knee injury in May 2025.

De Zerbi was quick to praise the influence that both Maddison and Kulusevski have on the rest of the squad. Their technical ability on the ball is matched by their status as leaders within the camp. “They are different players. Different talent, different experience, different personality. With them in the dressing room there is another atmosphere," the manager stated.

The win moves Tottenham up to 16th place, providing much-needed breathing room as they navigate a busy fixture schedule. By integrating these high-calibre players back into the starting eleven, De Zerbi finally has the tools to implement his expansive style of play. The squad's focus now shifts toward sustaining this momentum, ensuring that the close-knit, family atmosphere he has cultivated behind the scenes translates into reliable, consistent performances on the pitch. That resolve will face an immediate, stern test this Saturday, when Spurs make the challenging cross-town journey to face London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Antonin Kinsky - 6.5/10

Had very little to do as Coventry managed only one shot on target. He couldn't do much about Jack Rudoni's close-range finish but was tidy in his distribution to help Spurs build from the back.

Jan Paul van Hecke - 7.5/10

A versatile and commanding performance. He started nominally on the right but was central to Spurs' fluid build-up. He made crucial defensive interventions, including a brave block to deny Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Tosin Adarabioyo - 7/10

Solid and composed at the heart of the defence. He managed Coventry's physical threat well before being forced off with an injury in the 71st minute.

Micky van de Ven - 7.5/10

Wearing the captain's armband, Van de Ven led by example. He used his blistering recovery pace effectively to sweep up Coventry counter-attacks and ensured the backline remained resolute.

Andrew Robertson - 7.5/10

A constant menace down the left flank. He provided the crucial assist for Marmoush to restore the lead but unfortunately had to limp off injured in the 69th minute.

Archie Gray - 7/10

An industrious shift from Gray. He started in midfield where he kept the ball moving well, and seamlessly transitioned to right-back in the second half following the defensive injuries.

Sandro Tonali - 7.5/10

The engine of the team. Tonali covered every blade of grass, broke up Coventry attacks, and consistently recycled possession to sustain Tottenham's pressure.

James Maddison - 8.5/10

The standout player. He ended his 610-day Premier League goal drought with a spectacular curling effort. He dictated the tempo and created numerous openings before departing to a standing ovation.

Mohammed Kudus - 8/10

Electric on the right wing. He beat his man brilliantly to tee up Maddison for the opener and was a constant thorn in Coventry's side until he was withdrawn late on.

Omar Marmoush - 8/10

A match-winning impact. He scored his very first goal for Tottenham with a fierce, clinical strike to make it 2-1. He dropped deep to link play and led the press effectively.

Dominic Solanke - 7/10

Looked sharp and made intelligent runs to stretch the Coventry defence. He was rewarded for his selfless work with a late assist, setting up Davies for the third goal.

Ben Davies (69') - 7.5/10

Replaced the injured Robertson and made a massive impact. He secured the victory with a rare, low strike from outside the box in the 96th minute.

Conor Gallagher (69') - 6.5/10

Brought on for Maddison to add steel to the midfield and help Spurs regain control in the closing stages.

Mateus Fernandes (71') - 6.5/10

Replaced the injured Adarabioyo. He was neat in possession and even tested the goalkeeper with a late effort.

Dejan Kulusevski (87') - N/A

A massive emotional milestone. He received a huge roar from the crowd as he returned to the pitch after 526 days out injured.

Mathys Tel (87') - N/A

Replaced Marmoush late on and nearly scored with a curling effort that went just wide.

Roberto De Zerbi - 7.5/10

Finally got his tactical setup to yield a Premier League win. His fluid formation confused Coventry early on, and he managed forced injuries with composure. The introduction of Davies proved to be a masterstroke.

Omar Marmoush fired Tottenham Hotspur to their first Premier League win of the season, with the Egyptian's strike settling a 3-1 victory over Coventry City at the Spurs stadium in the seventh round of the Premier League.

The goal was the Egypt star's first in a Tottenham shirt since his loan move from Manchester City at the start of the season. His rocket of a strike settled the contest in the hosts' favour and earned three precious points.

James Maddison got Tottenham up and running in the 14th minute. Jack Rudoni hauled Coventry level at the start of the second half, netting in the 50th minute to drag the match back to square one.

Spurs did not wait long to edge back in front. Marmoush struck in the 58th minute, lashing a powerful effort into the net to restore the lead and send the home support into raptures.

Ben Davies then wrapped things up moments before the final whistle, nodding home the third in the 90+6th minute to seal the win.

Three points hand Tottenham a vital boost, lifting them to 6 points and 16th place, ahead of newly promoted Coventry City in 17th on goal difference.

Maddison made an immediate impact on his return to the starting line-up on Monday. The playmaker received a pass from Mohammed Kudus after 14 minutes and bent a superb first-time shot into the top corner.

This phenomenal strike ended a gruelling 610-day goal drought and marked his 21st Premier League goal from outside the penalty area since making his debut in August 2018. The remarkable achievement puts him at least two goals ahead of any other player in the division, surpassing long-range specialists Kevin De Bruyne and James Ward-Prowse.

Coventry, who had won their previous two matches, refused to surrender easily and found a way back into the game. Jack Rudoni capitalised on a defensive error to score an equaliser for the visitors in the 50th minute. However, Tottenham responded swiftly.

Andy Robertson provided a crucial assist for Omar Marmoush just nine minutes later, and the forward delivered a fierce strike to restore the lead. It was a milestone moment for Marmoush, marking his very first goal for Tottenham since his summer transfer from Manchester City.

Roberto De Zerbi made late changes, introducing Mathys Tel and Dejan Kulusevski, who returned after 526 days to a huge roar. Tosin Adarabioyo and Robertson were forced off, prompting the introductions of Conor Gallagher, Mateus Fernandes, and Ben Davies. Maddison departed to a standing ovation, while Archie Gray shifted to right-back. As Coventry struggled defensively deep into stoppage time, Davies stepped up in the 96th minute to drive a low strike from outside the area into the net, sealing a hard-fought 3-1 win for the London club.

Tottenham must use this much-needed victory as a foundation to build consistency in the Premier League. With Maddison fully firing and the team finally off the mark after seven attempts, De Zerbi will hope his squad can pull further clear of the relegation zone in their upcoming domestic fixtures.

International Coverage

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Coventry City with a VPN

A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure, encrypted connection online. By virtually changing your location to a country where the game is being broadcast, you can bypass blackout restrictions and watch your favourite team live. A step-by-step guide is described later in this article, or you can also check out our guide to the best VPNs for streaming sports.

Today's game between Tottenham Hotspur and Coventry City will kick off at 20:00.

Step-by-step VPN guide to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Coventry City today

Download & Install: Sign up to ExpressVPN or another reputable VPN service (check out GOAL's guide here) and download the app on your device.

Connect to a Server: Open the app and select a server location where the match is being shown (e.g. if you are in the UK but want to watch a US stream, connect to a US server).

Clear Cache: Sometimes your browser holds onto your old location. Clear your cookies or refresh your browser to ensure the change takes effect.

Start Streaming: Go to your broadcaster's website and app and enjoy the game.

How to watch on the Big Screen

Watching on your phone or laptop is fine, but live sports belongs on the big screen. Here is how to get the VPN working on your TV:

Smart TVs & Fire Stick: Most Android-based TVs and devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast with Google TV have native VPN apps. Simply search for your VPN provider in the app store on your TV, log in, and connect just like you would on your phone.

Apple TV, Roku & Consoles: These devices often don't support direct VPN apps. The easiest workaround is to use Smart DNS (usually found in your VPN account settings) or Mirror/Cast the stream from your VPN-connected phone or laptop to your TV.

Form

Tottenham have not won in five matches, picking up three draws and suffering two defeats in that run. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United, and they were beaten 2-3 by Aston Villa before that. Spurs have drawn three of those five games, suggesting a team struggling to turn performances into victories rather than one being blown away. Across the five matches, they conceded seven goals and scored just five.

Coventry have won two, drawn none, and lost three of their last five. Their most recent result was a commanding 4-1 win over Newcastle United, and they also beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 on the road. The defeats include a heavy 5-0 loss to Brighton and a 1-0 reverse against Manchester City. Coventry have scored six goals and conceded nine across that five-game stretch.

Head-to-Head Record

The most recent meeting between these clubs came in the Carabao Cup in September 2024, when Tottenham won 2-1 at Coventry. Across the last five head-to-head fixtures on record, Spurs have won four and Coventry have won none, with the ties spread across the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. Tottenham have been dominant in this series, winning each of the four completed matches by a margin of at least two goals, with the 2024 Carabao Cup tie the closest of the lot.

Standings

In the Premier League table, Tottenham Hotspur are 20th and Coventry City are 15th. Spurs' position at the foot of the division adds urgency to this home fixture, while Coventry will be looking to build on mid-table standing with a result in north London.

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The 29-year-old forward has not featured for the senior side since August's 3-0 defeat against Brentford. After failed summer transfer moves to former club Everton and Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama, he was subsequently omitted from Tottenham's 25-man Premier League roster.

Demoted to the Under-21s, the striker recently turned out in the Jersey Mike's Trophy. He scored during a 2-2 draw with Cheltenham Town on Tuesday, before converting a spot-kick in an eventual 7-6 shootout defeat.

Despite his domestic banishment, the Brazilian earned praise for his professional conduct during the youth fixture. He spent time taking photographs and signing autographs for supporters, though his long-term future in north London remains highly uncertain.

The situation caught the attention of Everton icon Duncan Ferguson, who managed the forward during an interim stint at Goodison Park. Speaking on Overlap Daily podcast, the Scot questioned the logic behind freezing out a player of that calibre.

"I don’t know what the manager at Tottenham’s done," Ferguson said. "I don’t know if they’ve had a massive fall-out, and knowing Richy they probably have, but you’ve got to put your arm around him and say, ‘Come on, Richy,’ and get him back in."

Ferguson added that such severe disciplinary action is rarely justified. "You don’t leave a player like that out unless there’s been a real murder: he’s chinned him, or there’s been a proper scrap on the training ground. Richarlison’s a good player, and Tottenham are not that great, are they?"

The public backing clearly resonated with the marginalised striker. Taking to his Instagram story, he quickly aimed a subtle dig at his current head coach, posting: "Thanks @duncan9ferguson, you are right."

Facing the media at Hotspur Way on Sunday morning, De Zerbi was inevitably pressed on the social media activity. The Italian manager abruptly distanced himself from the ongoing drama, suggesting the decision to exclude the forward came from the boardroom rather than the dugout.

"It's not my problem any more," De Zerbi told reporters. "You have to ask Vinai or Johan. It's not my problem. I know as a coach I have to support and take responsibility even when it's not my responsibility. I have not decided anything in this situation."

The Spurs boss also made it clear that his door remains open should the player wish to discuss matters privately. He added: "If he wants to speak to me he can find me in my office until 8.30am until the evening. But I don't want to speak any more because my focus is on the Coventry game."

Tottenham must now block out the background noise as they prepare to host newly-promoted Coventry City on Monday night. De Zerbi's side are in desperate need of a victory to ease mounting pressure and build momentum after a winless start to the Premier League campaign.

For the ostracised forward, the immediate future looks bleak. Unless a January exit materialises, he will remain ineligible for league fixtures and is entirely out of cup competition picture, leaving youth football as his only competitive outlet.

The 29-year-old forward has not featured for the senior side since August's 3-0 defeat against Brentford. After failed summer transfer moves to former club Everton and Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama, he was subsequently omitted from Tottenham's 25-man Premier League roster.

Demoted to the Under-21s, the striker recently turned out in the Jersey Mike's Trophy. He scored during a 2-2 draw with Cheltenham Town on Tuesday, before converting a spot-kick in an eventual 7-6 shootout defeat.

Despite his domestic banishment, the Brazilian earned praise for his professional conduct during the youth fixture. He spent time taking photographs and signing autographs for supporters, though his long-term future in north London remains highly uncertain.

The situation caught the attention of Everton icon Duncan Ferguson, who managed the forward during an interim stint at Goodison Park. Speaking on Overlap Daily podcast, the Scot questioned the logic behind freezing out a player of that calibre.

"I don’t know what the manager at Tottenham’s done," Ferguson said. "I don’t know if they’ve had a massive fall-out, and knowing Richy they probably have, but you’ve got to put your arm around him and say, ‘Come on, Richy,’ and get him back in."

Ferguson added that such severe disciplinary action is rarely justified. "You don’t leave a player like that out unless there’s been a real murder: he’s chinned him, or there’s been a proper scrap on the training ground. Richarlison’s a good player, and Tottenham are not that great, are they?"

The public backing clearly resonated with the marginalised striker. Taking to his Instagram story, he quickly aimed a subtle dig at his current head coach, posting: "Thanks @duncan9ferguson, you are right."

Facing the media at Hotspur Way on Sunday morning, De Zerbi was inevitably pressed on the social media activity. The Italian manager abruptly distanced himself from the ongoing drama, suggesting the decision to exclude the forward came from the boardroom rather than the dugout.

"It's not my problem any more," De Zerbi told reporters. "You have to ask Vinai or Johan. It's not my problem. I know as a coach I have to support and take responsibility even when it's not my responsibility. I have not decided anything in this situation."

The Spurs boss also made it clear that his door remains open should the player wish to discuss matters privately. He added: "If he wants to speak to me he can find me in my office until 8.30am until the evening. But I don't want to speak any more because my focus is on the Coventry game."

Tottenham must now block out the background noise as they prepare to host newly-promoted Coventry City on Monday night. De Zerbi's side are in desperate need of a victory to ease mounting pressure and build momentum after a winless start to the Premier League campaign.

For the ostracised forward, the immediate future looks bleak. Unless a January exit materialises, he will remain ineligible for league fixtures and is entirely out of cup competition picture, leaving youth football as his only competitive outlet.