In some ways, it might have been easier for Mauricio Pochettino if the final qualifying game against CSKA Moscow had been an entirely moribund affair with nothing at stake. That way, he could have fielded a second XI with little fear of any criticism and kept his key players fresh for next Sunday's Premier League fixture away to Manchester United. There is, however, the small matter of the Europa League.
Spurs currently sit third in their Champions League group and a win or a draw against a Moscow side languishing in fourth place would take them through to the knockout stages of the Europa League.