As their season spiraled out of control due to a months-long injury crisis, Ange Postecoglou always had the cup competitions to point to as a reason for optimism. Then, they went out of the League Cup in the semifinals and the FA Cup just days later.

Tottenham’s season is on the line as they host AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of a crucial Europa League last-16 tie. With Spurs already out of both domestic cup competitions and the Premier League campaign effectively a write-off, Ange Postecoglou knows the success of the season will now be determined by the European run.