There have definitely been flashes of progress at Tottenham Hotspur over the past few weeks, but the 3-0 hiding handed by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on a chill Sunday afternoon has served Thomas Frank a sobering reality check.
At the weekend, Tottenham knew there was a chance to step up and make real headway in the Premier League by recording a statement win over Forest, having ended a six-game winless run in the division the match before, against Brentford on home turf.
Positivity was short-lived, though, even after beating Slavia Prague 3-0 in the Champions League in midweek. This system is riddled with problems, and the manner in which Spurs were beaten by Sean Dyche's relegation-threatened side has enraged and dismayed a fanbase who have been crying out for coherence and focused creativity all season.
Frank's post-match comments were bleak, but he couldn't have stood in front of the cameras and lauded effort, drawn solace from moments.
It is clearer than ever that ENIC Group's decision to attack the January transfer market is a just one.
Spurs planning for January additions
The Forest defeat was one to forget, but it wasn't an outlier for the Lilywhites this season, and that makes putting it in the background difficult.
Tottenham came undone in the first half when Guglielmo Vicario put Archie Gray under pressure. The 19-year-old then lost possession cheaply, and Callum Hudson-Odoi scored.
This microcosm of Spurs' season widens to a gloomier landscape, and it's understandable that signings are anticipated. This is a squad who need improvements across different positions. Gray, it seems, isn't ready for a starring role, playing as an anchor week in and week out.
Perhaps that's why ENIC are lining up a move for Atletico Madrid star Pablo Barrios. In fact, Spanish media are under the impression that the Londoners have already tabled an opening €70m (equating to £61m) offer for the 22-year-old midfielder. That fee, should a deal get done, would be one of the most expensive in the club's history, surpassing the £60m they paid for Richarlison but falling £4m shy of Dominic Solanke's deal.
The Spaniard's versatility and physical attributes make him an ideal fit for the Premier League, but Atletico won't let their prize leave easily. Spurs' interest is very real, but landing his signature will prove a hard task.
Why Spurs should sign Pablo Barrios
Gray's blunder at the weekend can happen in football, but it's symptomatic of a wider struggle at Tottenham right now. More experience and dynamism are needed in midfield, especially with Yves Bissouma ostracised and Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha offering limited skillsets.
Here Barrios would raise Spurs' level. He is athletic and fleet-footed and confident in the duel. He has been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his "Iniesta-esque magic" on the ball, and so would help the manager establish fluid passing patterns from midfield, flowing into the final third.
Winning duels is a core part of the midfield game, and this Gray is struggling to do. In fact, the England U21 international's lack of success in tussling against opponents is preventing him from establishing fluency in the Tottenham midfield.
There is no such issue for Barrios, who is still young but strong and powerful enough to hold his own against any opponent.
Barrios would help steer Spurs back onto more stable ground. Not only is the Spanish star been tempered in the furnaces of Diego Simeone's steely system, but he's positive and proactive on the ball. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 5% of centre-midfielders across Europe over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 14% for interceptions per 90.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.
There is every reason for Spurs directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici to complete this deal. Gray is an exciting talent who may yet take a talismanic role in Frank's set-up, but he's not there yet.
The problem is that Gray's peers have hardly covered themselves in glory this season either, and a change is now needed, with plenty to play for this term.