Tottenham had lost at home to Arsenal on a Sunday afternoon in mid-September when Ange Postecoglou clarified his preseason declarations about 'usually' winning trophies in his second season.
'I'll correct myself,' said Postecoglou in a flash Sky Sports interview straight after the game. 'I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second season. Nothing's changed. I've said it now. I don't say things unless I believe them.'
And so, the narrative was set. Some lauded his refreshing fearlessness. Others clamoured to dismiss him as deluded as the campaign went awry.