While never really challenging for a place in the top four and this season's Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur ended the 2014-15 campaign in a respectable fifth position.
The problem is, there are plenty of Spurs supporters that will be demanding more from Mauricio Pochettino and his players. They tasted what it was like to rub shoulders with European football's elite not that long ago and now they want some more of it.
Is that something that the Lilywhites will be able to provide during the 2015-16 Premier League campaign? Here, Sports Mole assesses what the chances are of Spurs wrestling their way into the leading quartet of sides.
In
Kevin Wimmer (Cologne), Kieran Trippier (Burnley), Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid)
Out
Jordan Archer (Released), Cristian Ceballos (Released), Bongani Khumalo (Released), Paulinho (Guangzhou Evergrande), Lewis Holtby (Hamburg), Etienne Capoue (Watford), Younes Kaboul (Sunderland), Benjamin Stambouli (PSG)
Last season - 5th
Manager - Mauricio Pochettino
© Getty Images
Having done such an impressive job at Southampton, with greater resources at his disposal, the thinking was that Pochettino would be the man to deliver Champions League football back to White Hart Lane. While that might not have happened, the general consensus was that Spurs did make some progression under the Argentine's guidance.
They finished fifth, but also reached the final of the League Cup, where they were defeated by rivals Chelsea. What was more pleasing for Spurs fans, though, was Pochettino's desire to play the youngsters, which saw the likes of Harry Kane, Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason all flourish throughout the campaign. But, with the notoriously trigger-happy Daniel Levy in charge, Pochettino must ensure that more advancements are made this term.
Key Player - Harry Kane
What a 12 months it has been in the life of this centre-forward. At the start of 2014-15, the 22-year-old was considered to be no more than a squad player - someone that could be potentially useful in cup competitions. Yet, a lack of goals from the club's other strikers handed Kane his chance and the youngster didn't look back as he scored 21 goals in the Premier League - only Sergio Aguero found the net more times. He also weighed in with another 10 goals in other competitions.
Of course, the pressure is now on to replicate that form, which is going to be easier said than done. There will be no surprise factor anymore, with centre-backs only too aware as to which ways he likes to turn and how he likes to receive possession. It is something that he will have to adapt to, mainly because as it stands, Pochettino has not bolstered his attacking options.
© Getty Images
Possible starting lineup
Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Mason, Eriksen, Chadli, Lamela; Kane
First game: Manchester United (A), Full fixture list
Sports Mole says
The problem for Spurs is that although they have lofty ambitions, they do not have the financial muscle to fulfil those hopes on a consistent basis. They may squeeze in every now and then, but to be regular participants in the Champions League, it comes down to one thing - investment.
In terms of what Pochettino can do to boost their chances of reaching the top four, a plan B would not go amiss. Supporters were often frustrated by his apparent reluctance to alter tactics during a match, choosing instead to hope that Kane would bail the team out of a hole. At such a tender age, Spurs cannot afford to rely on the England international every week. Whether it be by delving into the transfer market or developing a new strategy, it could be the only chance that the North Londoners have of realising their target.
Prediction - 6th
Liam Apicella
