The present paradox in English football is the reverence afforded to Tottenham Hotspur under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino. It is no exaggeration to state that when Chelsea host Spurs tomorrow the backdrop will be painted in terms of the creaking old guard facing the shiny future comprising talent nurtured by a paternalistic genius. Chelsea provoke cynicism, Spurs spark smiles.

And yet. Chelsea keep winning trophies, keep trumping Tottenham. There will be no asterisk next to Pochettino’s name when the list of successful managers pre-2018 are pored over in years to come, though if there was it would state merely “came stylishly close”.

Spurs currently represent values that are warm and comforting. They are run sensibly with no silly salaries, they plan ahead, there is