Overlook the six games without a win in the Premier League, and the meagre return of four points from a possible 18 since the turn of the year and things are looking up for Thomas Frank.
His team were applauded from the pitch after an undeniably brilliant fight back from two down against Manchester City to claim a draw despite worsening injury problems.
When Cristian Romero came off at half-time having been struggling with illness for days it left Spurs without a dozen senior first-teamers, so their second-half performance bristling with energy and intent is worthy of acclaim.
The return of Dominic Solanke has been central to it and the progress of Xavi Simons as a creative force but Frank’s part in the revival was clear too, as he tinkered with the system and made substitutions that quickly paid off.
Perception is everything but after two strong victories in Europe and a point at Burnley, the last couple of weeks has delivered a little promise in N17. Just as long as you can resist the urge to the look at the Premier League table.
Back to the back four
Frank’s back three worked a treat in Europe and seemed to suit many players still standing, but it was torn apart by City for 45 minutes.
Antoine Semenyo pinned in Joao Palhinha and stopped him stepping out into midfield as he had done to great effect in Frankfurt. Semenyo threatened in the space between Palhinha and Archie Gray, also in an unfamiliar position at right wing back.
Erling Haaland meanwhile tormented Radu Dragusin. The visitors overloaded the home side by rolling wide midfielders Nico O’Reilly and Rayan Cherki inside into the pockets of space provided by the Spurs system.
After surrendering the early initiative and without the recovery pace of Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence, the back line was deep and anxious, and it left so much space in the centre of that pitch that City’s midfield quartet ran riot for 45 minutes.
Yet for all of this, Spurs were most vulnerable when they were on the ball in their own defensive areas. Both goals conceded came from careless errors in possession. First by Yves Bissouma and then by Dragusin, players who have barely played this season and not sharp.
Culture not systems
Managers always try to resist the media obsession with tactical systems. Frank likes the business jargon about culture eating strategy for breakfast. Here there was a little bit of both at play.
Abandoning the back three at half time and getting the running power of Pape Matar Sarr into midfield helped Spurs back into the game but it was equally the change of attitude which hauled them back and brought the crowd onside.
Spirit shone in adversity, with warrior personalities such as Palhinha and Dragusin by chance at the heart of the team.
And they earned a little bit of good fortune, because the first goal could have been ruled out on another day for a foul by Solanke on Marc Guehi. Pep Guardiola certainly thought so.
From jeers to cheers
The transformation was as complete as it was unexpected. Sarr replaced Cristian Romero, who was ill, and injected fresh energy and aggression into the team.
Spurs disrupted City’s passing rhythms and swung momentum their way. Even before the disputed Solanke goal. Wilson Odobert came on and looked sharp and threatened the goal.
Suddenly, with Solanke up front, Simons is sparkling and Spurs look as if they might score from open play. Forwards are threatening the goal. In the second half, Conor Gallagher produced his best 45 minutes since joining from Atletico Madrid.
On the mend
Frank claims the upturn in performances comes over a dozen games, starting with Liverpool at home just before Christmas when they lost 2-1 and finished with nine men.
But signs are certainly there over the last four games in all competitions, three or them with Solanke at the vanguard of the team. His performance against City cannot fail to have made an impression on England boss Thomas Tuchel who was in the stands.
Just don’t look at the table because there is no room to relax with Forest now within three points.