The famous New York Yankee pitcher Lefty Gomez said "I'd rather be lucky than good" and with Spurs rarely good, it seems they might well be lucky.
For the second European week in a row, everything fell into place as the mighty Spurs qualified in a lofty fourth place for the Champions League last 16.
Our opponents were the familiar and accommodating Eintracht Frankfurt who rolled over so obediently for us in last season's Europa League. Their 2026 vintage were similarly weak. With their European adventure mathematically over, no manager, and the competition's leakiest defence, they offered very little threat, especially after Spurs went 1-0 up.
As results came in from across Europe, a different school of thought on Thomas Frank did start to percolate for those more trusting to the process. Ernest Hemingway was of the belief that "you make your own luck" and perhaps in that sense I'm doing the Dane a disservice. With Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain and Inter Milan all failing to finish in the top eight, Frank should be patted on the back for a job well done.
Whether the luck of the draw or not, Spurs have rolled through the league phase without ever truly being in trouble. Last night in Germany, Frank reverted to a formation from his scrapbook; a back-to-basics three or five at the back depending on possession. This allowed Spurs to bypass their issues building through the middle and utilize the ball-carrying ability of their wing-backs. Perhaps by returning to his 'Brentford playlist', Frank has finally stumbled on something he can use domestically?
However, despite the tactical tweaks, one man stood head and shoulders above all others: our captain Cuti Romero. Since his sending-off against Liverpool, he has stepped up. His influence, especially in forward areas, is priceless. His eight goal-and-assist contributions this season put many forwards to shame.
Spurs sailing through is a huge achievement. Frank is rightly reaping the rewards for a European job well done - whether lucky or well-deserving.