Frank Lampard expected VAR to rule out Omar Marmoush’s first Tottenham goal

Frank Lampard said he expected Omar Marmoush’s first goal for Tottenham to be disallowed after the referee reviewed an incident involving the forward’s elbow during the 3-1 win over Coventry City.

Marmoush’s effort was his first since joining Tottenham, but the goal came after his elbow appeared to make contact with the face of Coventry defender Milan van Ewijk. The incident was checked using video technology before the goal was allowed to stand.

“I thought the VAR referee would disallow Omar Marmoush’s goal, especially when the elbow is high and there is contact with the defender, as happened in that situation,” Coventry manager Lampard told reporters.

The result gave Tottenham their first Premier League victory of the season in the final match of the seventh round. James Maddison, Marmoush and Ben Davies scored for the hosts, while Jack Rudoni scored Coventry’s only goal.

Tottenham had been the only side in the division without a win after the opening six matches, having collected three draws and suffered three defeats. Their victory ended that run and also represented their first Premier League win since May 2026, when they beat Everton 1-0 last season.

Maddison’s goal was his first in 610 days. His previous goal had come against Manchester United in February 2025.

The match also marked Marmoush’s first goal in 156 days for club sides and his first since joining Tottenham. His inclusion on the scoresheet came in his first campaign with the London club.

Tottenham moved up to 16th in the Premier League with six points, leaving the bottom position behind. Coventry dropped to 17th, level on points but behind on goal difference.