Why Spurs may rue missing out on top four

TOTTENHAM’S hugely enjoyable flirtation with the big time, which began a year ago with a 1-0 victory at Eastlands to qualify for the Champions League for the first time, is in danger of ending at exactly the same venue tomorrow.

There is no doubt that Harry Redknapp’s side took full advantage of their European adventure, enthralling fans across the continent with a thrilling, attacking style of football that saw them exceed all expectations by beating Inter and AC Milan on the way to the quarter-finals.

But with the adventure over it is becoming increasingly evident that an opportunity has been missed in the Premier League, where Spurs are now fighting to even finish fifth and facing a do-or-die match against Manchester City tomorrow.