Thomas Frank went into this tough assignment against the Champions League holders with his methods under serious scrutiny after the timid, conservative manner of Tottenham Spurs' defeat against Arsenal in the north London derby.
And yet Frank, and indeed his team, responded positively, as he ditched the five-man defence that drew so much criticism in favour of an orthodox back four afforded protection by Archie Gray and Rodrigo Bentancur.
For an hour, Spurs matched Paris St-Germain, leading twice, with one of the crucial moments their failure to protect a lead until half-time when they switched off, allowing Vitinha to equalise in spectacular fashion seconds before the break.
Even then, Randal Kolo Muani put them back in front before PSG hit the sort of roll that has done for better teams than Spurs in the Champions League.
Frank's team selection looked like it had one eye on Saturday night's home game against Fulham, which they will now go into with only three wins in 12 matches.
Joao Palhinha, Mohammed Kudus, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert were on the bench, along with Xavi Simons, but for so long there was much to encourage Frank.
Spurs were positive, adopting a man-for-man strategy out of possession, showing more attacking intent in the opening stages than they did in the entire match against Arsenal.
The attitude was good but defensive carelessness, summed up when Pape Matar Sarr was robbed in possession before Fabian Ruiz put PSG in front for the first time, proved their undoing.
Spurs have now dropped to 16th in the Champions League table, making victory against Slavia Prague on the next match day vital.