Tottenham’s poor run of form in the league continued after a 4-1 defeat against Manchester City at Etihad stadium. Even though they have been showing great form in the Europa League group stages, they have been unable to translate the same into league form. Undoubtedly, performing well in the Premier League is the ultimate ambition for the club, as they target a return to Champions League. At the moment, it looks highly unlikely that Tottenham will be anywhere close to challenging for a top four place at the end of the season.

After suffering the latest defeat against City, manager Mauricio Pochettino has spoke with confidence that the club will be able to achieve something of great significance within the next two years. The former Southampton manager was brought in to replace Tim Sherwood, but he has had an inconsistent set of results in the opening few months. The Argentine saw his team slipped further behind the top four after this latest defeat, but he has spoken with confidence at being able to achieve a major target – perhaps winning a trophy or two – in the next two years. It remains to be seen if he will be given the patience that his predecessors have found wanting under chairman Daniel Levy.

“You need time. You need to suffer and keep the bad moments. But maybe now is a different period for us. I am sure we’ll achieve something ­important, maybe in six months, one year or two years, I am sure the club will achieve a very important trophy. Daniel [Levy, Tottenham chairman] was very clear. He explained how we need to move the club on and we agreed. We expected a tough period and are in one now. But we have the possibility to build something ­important – it’s a very big challenge,” said Pochettino.