Tottenham's dream and nightmare ends to season with trophy on the line amid 47-year record
Tottenham have lost more than half their Premier League games under Ange Postecoglou but could salvage their season with Europa League success albeit a new low could still be suffered
Tottenham have endured a throwback this season - back to a time when they were not considered among the Premier League's 'top six'. That title largely derives from their financial success, rather than their on-pitch performances, and is an extension of the old school 'top four' that existed in the mid-2000s.
Back in 2008/09 they lost 15 games - their highest number in two decades - en route to an eighth-place finish. This year they've already lost 15 games with nine more still to play and finishing eighth seems like a tall order.
Ange Postecoglou has continued to remain defiant despite Tottenham playing like the team who made bottom-half finishes a regular thing in and around the late 1990s and early 2000s. Yet hope still remains, just.
The Australian manager may be regretting his decision to highlight how he "always wins" things in his second season at clubs. This is year two at Tottenham and only the Europa League remains a possibility.
The bottom three have been cut adrift so any mild fears of relegation, which were discussed when Tottenham lost at home to Leicester in late January, have been quashed and there's no danger of the north Londoners losing their top-flight status, even if this will be a season to forget.
Nevertheless, with the final international break now concluded, Spurs' season can still finish on a major high. Whether it will or not remains to be seen though....
The dream scenario
Trophies do cover cracks like nothing else. There's been increased anger against the ownership, particularly Daniel Levy, and protests have been held outside the stadium this season. It is well documented how the League Cup in 2008 - then known as the Carling Cup it was that long ago - is their last trophy.
A Europa League would therefore be a massive coup and, if that wasn't enough, it would also lead to a spot back in the Champions League. That would bring with it massive revenue and mean their state-of-the-art stadium is able to host matches befitting its brilliance.
Before that happens though Tottenham need to seriously improve on the performances that saw them edge past AZ Alkmaar. Their next assignment in Europe is Frankfurt and, should they negotiate that, a potential semi-final against Lazio, who are the No 1 seeds in the tournament.
The likes of Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao are possible opponents come the final at San Mames in May. Tottenham would need a seriously strong finish to the season to break into the top half, but more than anything fans may be happy to see a fully fit squad back together and playing a style that suggests brighter things are just around the corner.
The nightmare scenario
Conversely, in less than three weeks Tottenham could have waved goodbye to their European dream if Frankfurt can cut them apart like so many teams have this season. Postecoglou seems to be leading a "we'll score more than you" mentality with scoring goals not a problem for his side, but keeping them out is a major one.
Their first-leg against Frankfurt is in the English capital and a comprehensive and commanding win for the Germans would result in that sombre feeling, that has become all too familiar.
Away from Europe the north Londoners still have to face the likes of Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. A number of losses in the final weeks of the season could easily see Tottenham finish as low as 16th. Currently West Ham occupy that spot, but Tottenham are only ahead of them in the table on goal difference. And there is a distant chance that Wolves, once relegation near-certainties - could close the eight-point gap between them and Spurs.
Tottenham have not finished 16th or lower in the top flight since they were promoted from the old Division 2 back in 1978. The absolute fear is that the forgettable campaign also sees a number of their leading lights - the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison - consider whether Tottenham is the best place for them ahead of the summer transfer window.