When Tottenham went to the Etihad last season, they did so on the back of three successive defeats in the league. They were trailing in eighth, with 36 points from 22 games, Antonio Conte grumbling about transfers and storm clouds gathering.
And they won — an unlikely victory over Manchester City that revived an ailing campaign, inspiring Conte and his team to a sprint finish that ended with fourth place and a return to the Champions League, a semblance of success and cause for optimism.
Eleven months on and they are City-bound once more in desolate mood after Sunday’s derby, when torn apart on home turf by Arsenal, their hated neighbours and runaway leaders at the top of the table.