“It has been frustrating,” says Howells. “The highs are really good. When things click, we are unstoppable like against City.
“Equally, when it’s bad, it’s schoolboy errors, unable to pass to each other. I would trade highs for consistency, a middle ground.
“Against Roma, we should have seen out the 2-1 but we didn’t come out for the second half. We need to be fully switched on. But it’s in our DNA to be forward thinking.”
There are concerns among supporters that there is a psychological issue among Tottenham players, for them to be so impressive against the reigning champions only to fail to win their following two games. Spurs have not won back-to-back league games since the end of September.
“The shift in mentality has to happen among players,” says Paouros. “You feel like you are entitled to win against Brighton and Ipswich, but no-one is entitled to anything. No-one wins every match.”
Speechly, however, thinks the issue lies with the coach.
“I’ve been battling with thoughts on Ange. When he came in, I was fully on board and he had an amazing start. This season I have become frustrated with his stubbornness.
“But there is no point being frustrated with his tactical approach, as he has made clear that is how he will play, that is wasted energy.”
Ultimately, Spurs fans will hold out hope that Angeball can produce success this season.
Spurs are still in all three cups, and are in touch with the Premier League top four. Postecoglou has spoken about how he always wins a trophy in his second season – fans now must hope that comes true in north London.
“This stuff takes a lot of time, to get used to running and pressing in this way, only playing out from the back,” says Paouros.
“Look at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp had to put everything in place – in the first two seasons they finished outside the top four.”
