After five of the Premier League's top six recorded victories over the festive period, there was no room for error as Tottenham headed to a tricky assignment at Southampton on Wednesday night.
It turns out there was no reason to be worried. One 4-1 win later and Spurs - just one point behind rivals Arsenal - remain very much in touch with the Champions League places.
However, they are still 10 points behind leaders Chelsea and it would take an almighty effort between now and the end of the season to overhaul the pace-setters.
The top four is well within their reach, but do Spurs have a strong enough squad to achieve a return to the Champions League?