Despite a challenging Premier League campaign that has seen Tottenham win just one of their past nine games, hope remains alive through their cup pursuits. The London club's current position - closer to relegation than the top eight - masks potential for what some pundits are calling a potentially "special" season.
Thursday's 3-2 victory at Hoffenheim put Spurs on the verge of reaching the Europa League knockout stage, adding to their cup prospects alongside FA Cup participation and a 1-0 first-leg advantage over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
"It could be a remarkable season for Tottenham," former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves told TNT Sports. "They could win a couple of trophies."
The significance of potential cup success shouldn't be understated for a club that hasn't lifted silverware since 2008. A crucial period looms ahead, with Tottenham facing Liverpool in the EFL Cup on February 6 before traveling to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round three days later.
However, their league form remains concerning. Spurs have lost 12 of their first 22 Premier League matches - a feat last experienced in the 1997-98 season. They've surrendered 18 points from winning positions, second only to Fulham's 19, highlighting a persistent inability to close out games.
The team's struggles are compounded by an injury crisis, with 14 players sidelined for the Hoffenheim match. Manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed striker Dominic Solanke will be out for six weeks with a knee injury, though there's optimism about the imminent return of key players like Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Yves Bissouma.
Postecoglou, who earlier claimed he always wins a trophy in his second season at clubs, remains positive despite mounting pressure. "I thought the senior boys all really stood up. You need your leaders to stand up and they did," he said after the Hoffenheim victory.
Former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch emphasized the Europa League's importance, suggesting it's now their best route to Champions League qualification. "The Europa League they have to prioritise now," Crouch stated. "I look at the teams and they are capable of beating any of them."
The sentiment among fans reflects a willingness to sacrifice league position for cup success. One supporter, Simon, commented: "As a Spurs fan I would take finishing 17th if we win a cup. Winning something is the priority, but only if we stay up."
For Tottenham and Postecoglou, delivering a trophy could indeed transform what has been a difficult season into a memorable one. As Hargreaves concluded: "Back the manager and this season could turn into something special."
