Shaky Tottenham need Dutch courage against Ajax in Champions League

They couldn’t blow it all from here could they? Surely not. Not even Tottenham.

That was the dreaded feeling from the Spurs supporters who have seen their side snatch defeat from the jaws of victory far too often for their liking would have wondered after this implosion at Bournemouth.

Twenty four hours later they were relieved and let off the hook, in the league at least.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are set to limp over the line in the race for a top-four finish

In keeping with much of what has gone before, it is thanks to the failings of others that Spurs are set to limp over the line in the race for a top-four finish.

Only an unlikely chain of events, including an eight-goal swing, will see them be pipped to fourth now after both Manchester United and Arsenal dropped yet more points on Sunday.

A few months ago, if offered the challenge of beating Ajax to progress in the Champions League and securing one more win for a top-four finish Spurs would have snapped your hand off, fully expecting to complete it.

It has not turned out to be anywhere near as straightforward as they might have hoped.

That is partly because of the fearless, exciting and gifted side Ajax have proved to be as Spurs found out in losing last week’s semi-final first leg 1-0.

But the main reason for the concern will be because of Spurs themselves and the hugely worrying signs they have shown at the worst possible time.

Nathan Ake scored a last-gasp goal to secure the three points for Eddie Howe’s side

Nathan Ake’s 91st minute header for Bournemouth condemned Spurs to a fifth loss in six games and, especially ominously with Wednesday’s second leg at Ajax in mind, a ninth away defeat in 10.

And though they will almost certainly finish in the top four now there was plenty else to alarm them at the Vitality Stadium.

Mainly their ill-discipline. Son Heung-min and Juan Foyth, just 133 seconds after coming on, were both sent off.

Eric Dier should have been, Dele Alli was at the heart of a late melee and one of five Spurs players booked. They also might have conceded two penalties.

Meanwhile referee Craig Pawson and fourth official Simon Hooper were the targets of Pochettino’s frustration on separate occasions.

Ahead of a massive night in Spurs’s history in Holland, when composure will be one of the key qualities required, this was a potentially worrying insight into their state of mind.

Ill-discipline cost Spurs, with both Son Heung-min (C) and Juan Foyth sent off on Saturday

A meltdown and defeat after missing a string of first-half chances, coming against a side who had barely made them break out into a sweat in the past.

Spurs certainly have no time to dwell on events at Bournemouth.

Midfielder Moussa Sissoko said: ‘This week will be the biggest of the season for us. If we win and go the final it will be a dream for everyone.’ Not content with downing Spurs, match-winner Dutch international Ake will now be supporting his countrymen on Wednesday.

He said: ‘We have these group chats so we always say good luck to each other before games. We try to keep the [national] team close.

‘Everyone would be proud if Ajax win the Champions League. Hopefully they can do something magical.’