Tottenham have lost some of their fizz. The giddy anticipation that came with a busy summer of trading has faded and the cohesion that typified an impressive end to last season has disappeared.
They are not falling apart, it is important to add. They are third in the Premier League and well set to qualify in the Champions League, and there have been spells within games when they have found fluency and rhythm.
The complete performance, however, has proved elusive. Overwhelmed by Arsenal. More solid in Frankfurt but misfiring in front of goal.