The symmetry between Spurs in the league and winning a trophy
Much has been made of Tottenham's contrasting form in the Premier League and Europa League this season.
But history suggests when Spurs lift a trophy, a dip in league performance often goes hand in hand.
Since the early 1990s, Spurs have not combined a strong league season with cup success. It has typically been one or the other.
Before this season's league struggles, the last time Spurs finished in the bottom half of the Premier League was that memorable 2007-08 season with its February flourish of a League Cup win over Chelsea.
Since then, they have racked up 16 consecutive seasons of solid to strong Premier League finishes, but without any silverware along the way.
Going further back, the 1990-91 season offers a familiar pattern. Terry Venables' FA Cup-winning side were third in the table at the end of November. However, from the FA Cup fourth round onwards, they only managed one league win in their final 15 matches.
That's worse than the one win in 12 matches Ange Postecoglou's side recorded at the end of this season as their focus shifted to Europe.
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