Having looked certain to secure a top-four berth for much of the previous campaign, Spurs were undone by a combination of Arsenal's dramatic improvement and a damaging week in March when they were beaten by Liverpool and Fulham, and in between conceded four in the Europa League at Inter Milan.
With their present squad, Spurs are sure to be a force.
But skipper Michael Dawson knows what the aim is.
"We missed out on the Champions League last season, so our aim at the start of this campaign, is to make sure we are in it next year," said Dawson.
"We have to fight for that."
The argument has been put forward that with both Manchester clubs and Chelsea adjusting to life under new managers, an opportunity exists which was not there before.
It is not a theory Dawson gives much credence to.
"You could say there was uncertainty before any season," said Dawson.
"You have to earn the right to win the Premier League. Manchester United did it last season and they will no doubt want to do it again.
Source: PA
Source: PA