LONDON -- Tottenham exited Europe in the still-unfamiliar setting of Wembley on Thursday night but there was nothing unfamiliar about the sense of disappointment that followed the 2-2 draw with Gent.
Spurs have competed in Europe in all but one year since 2006, with the exception of 2009-10, but they have only made a lasting impression in their unexpected run to the Champions League quarterfinals in 2010-11. In the UEFA Cup/Europa League, they have rarely looked as motivated or as capable as in domestic football -- something alluded to by Harry Kane before the 2-2 draw with KAA Gent, which eliminated Spurs 3-2 on aggregate.