Coach Ange Postecoglou needs a trophy. A 1-0 win over Liverpool may not be enough to get Tottenham into the Carabao Cup final, with the second leg of the semi-final at Anfield looming. However, the Australian will have valuable time to get Spurs' season back on track.
Ironically, this important result came in a tournament the 59-year-old coach was not really aiming for. And once again, Postecoglou's side brought the kind of adventurous play that has tested the faith of Tottenham fans.
Against Liverpool, Postecoglou did not abandon his frenetic attacking style, but instead slowed down a bit. Tottenham's average possession distance of 31.6m from goal is the fifth lowest this season in all competitions. Their average distance for the season is 35.8m.
In their win over Liverpool, they made just 44 passes in the final third. Against Liverpool last December, Spurs made 83 passes. And in their Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Man United, Tottenham made 77.
Lucas Bergvall's decisive goal sparked jubilation, and Postecoglou blew a kiss to the fans after the final whistle as Spurs edged closer to a first trophy since 2008.
Postecoglou is usually a calm man, but a run of four wins in the last 15 games has put him under considerable pressure. "Today our players deserve credit, they fought until the last minute to defend the victory.
"Our fans, I think they were fantastic tonight. They've had a tough time but their love for the team hasn't diminished, so I'd like to dedicate this win to them. Now we'll have a little rest, before we look forward to the FA Cup game," said the Australian.
There appears to be an element of pragmatism creeping into Tottenham's approach, but Postecoglou believes that is due to circumstance rather than planning.
"People say my midfield is a bit more conservative, but that's because I only have three midfielders to choose from. The others are not available.
Liverpool don't allow you to do the same thing as other teams. And our players play every three days without rest" - Postecoglou said.
It will take another huge effort for Tottenham to reach Wembley, but Postecoglou will surely feel invigorated by the fierce battle.
