Spurs beat Sheff Utd to clinch Europa League spot

In a season that promised so much in the first few months, Spurs will regard their final position as a disappointment, having gone – at the end of October – five points clear at the top of the table.

But a winless November and five defeats in their last seven games meant a return to the Champions League was impossible until the end.

Postecoglou has improved from last term’s eighth-place finish, but concerns are starting to build after he called the “fragility” around the club and watched as supporters celebrated Manchester City’s goals against their own team on Tuesday night.

That result dented the title ambitions of north London rivals Arsenal and City’s victory over West Ham on Sunday meant Pep Guardiola’s side retained the trophy in Manchester.

This was not lost on the Spurs fans in attendance at Bramall Lane, chanting “shame on Arsenal, ole ole…” as the scores filtered in from the Etihad Stadium and Emirates Stadium.

Postecoglou said: “It was good, eventful and a bit of everything. Obviously, I’m not happy with how I finished the season, but I’ve been in the top five all year. We finished eighth last season and were competitive for the most part. We had a maximum effort from everyone.”

Spurs need to assess during the short season how they can improve and now head straight to Australia as they face Newcastle in a post-season friendly in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Between their goals, Spurs should have registered a sizeable score in south Yorkshire, but Rodrigo Bentancur hit the woodwork and home goalkeeper Foderingham – on his last appearance for Sheffield United – made impressive saves to deny Son and Porro.