What constitutes success? That is a conundrum that Tottenham have been wrestling with for some time.
With a last piece of major silverware collected back in 2008, bringing that barren run to a close would be the preference for many.
Those favouring a business-like approach would like to see Spurs rubbing shoulders with the European elite on an annual basis.
Shiny trophies are all well and good, but it is top-four finishes that bolster the bank balance and make transfer deals easier to complete.
Rivals
On this day in 2008: Wembley. Spurs 2 Chelsea 1. What are your memories of our League Cup triumph? pic.twitter.com/SAzDKEvm2a
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 24, 2014
Tottenham have been left watching on from afar again this season as domestic rivals, such as Liverpool and Manchester City, see Champions League odds move in opposing directions.
Old adversaries Arsenal are also in that mix, with Champions League winner odds pricing continental success in North London at 6/1.
Glory for the Gunners does not bear thinking about for those in N17, with the plan being to paint that part of the world in a fetching shade of lilywhite.
Consistency is, however, a commodity that is proving hard to come by.
Attempting to figure out how a 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium can follow a 2-1 defeat at home to Ipswich is leading to some serious head-scratching all round.
There are plenty of straws to cling to, though.
Positive progress has been made in the Europa League, while the League Cup may yet end up back in Spurs’ possession before the 2024-25 campaign comes to a close.
Would success there paper over the cracks that form if Champions League qualification proves to be out of reach?
Mauricio Pochettino once said of the dilemma that every Spurs boss faces: “Again we’re going to have the debate whether a trophy will take the club to the next level. I don’t agree with it. It only builds your ego. The most important thing for Tottenham right now is to always be in the top four.”
He makes a good point, with it being top-flight competition that separates the great from the good.
Spurs know what is required of them, with five top-four finishes over the course of the last decade all secured with a points tally of 70 or better.
That is the average mark for those looking to secure tickets to European football’s top table and represents a more realistic target than the figures required to claim a Premier League crown.
Spurs need somebody to get them back in the habit of walking in a straight line before they start to run.
Competition
Spurs have won more matches against Pep Guardiola's Man City than any other side 👀 pic.twitter.com/BHLZqde9sP
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 23, 2024
Tangible reward in knockout competition would help to raise collective spirits and give a loyal fan base something to shout about.
With a bigger picture and long-term planning taken into account, should a trophy be moved back to the top of the aforementioned priority list?
Yes, that would mean leaning more towards matters of the heart than head, but is that a bad thing?
Spurs have faced challenges with maintaining consistency over the years, but the hope remains that a day will eventually come when the either/or debate ends and ‘both’ becomes a realistic option.
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