Maddison received a well-earned standing ovation when Conor Gallagher replaced him in the 69th minute, although Kulusevski was greeted with an even louder response as he returned to action following a lengthy struggle to recover his fitness.
Nevertheless, Maddison earned the most praise after inspiring a long-awaited victory. His energetic style and visible enjoyment offered a welcome contrast to the team’s recent run of disappointing results.
He regularly looked to receive possession, continually searched for openings and helped direct his side’s attacking play before understandably losing some energy after half-time.
Maddison said he had spoken with the manager over the weekend and felt the time was right to return to the starting lineup following an interrupted beginning to the campaign.
He added that he wanted to perform strongly and demonstrate the qualities the team had lacked during the previous 18 months. He hoped his display had entertained the manager, while also acknowledging that scoring made the occasion even better.
If Maddison intended to underline exactly what Spurs had been missing, his performance achieved that objective convincingly.
Alongside the encouraging returns of Maddison and Kulusevski, Marmoush should also take confidence from his goal, a superb curling finish that left Rushworth unable to respond.
De Zerbi understands that this result represents only the beginning, with a difficult visit to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge awaiting on Saturday evening at 17:30 BST.
He was pleased to have Maddison and Kulusevski available again, describing them as players with distinct abilities and personalities whose presence brings a new mood to the dressing room.
Ultimately, nothing lifts the spirit within the squad and around the club more effectively than winning matches.
De Zerbi and Spurs finally have three points on which to build, while the return of Maddison and Kulusevski gives the Italian hope that the team can recover more quickly from its recent difficulties.
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