Ange Postecoglou [Will-Palmer/SPP]

THERE has been some priceless Spurs banter since we last convened: historic, framable portraits of desperation as their fans got stuck on the muggy theme that “winning European semi-finals is not for everyone, folks”.

Rather than have the purpose they presumably intended, each frazzled zinger should be studied by trauma specialists – a hopeful coping mechanism after defeat in more than half their league matches this season.

If anything, Arsenal fans dined out on these O’Hara types badgering on about being in the Europa League final. Each lead-weight gibe simply illustrated how misty weak our treasured rivalry has sadly become this season.

Maybe somewhere out there you can find me a Gunners fan who has been crying non-stop into a pillow because their team was going toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite and not triumphing against those ready powerhouses Bodo/Glimt. Maybe.

But after 20 league losses, needing extra time to beat non-league amateurs Tamworth, losing with a load of injured players, losing with a load of fit players, there is no feeling left of competition or derby day danger.

We all have one or two friends who are Spurs fans and the way Ange Postecoglou has prioritised his personal legend by hinging everything on a 17th place plays 16th place match next week has been shoddy to them all.

All Premier League stadiums are too expensive and then being among the away support is bank-breaking. Only obsessive love means money is found from somewhere to keep being there in the stands. That outlay has clearly been taken for granted in the most recent performances where players have been either disinterested or rested.

Crystal Palace have the FA Cup final on Saturday but didn’t feel the need to ease up in winning at Spurs on Sunday. No cotton wool.

Postecoglou hasn’t really seemed to care about how much your ticket costs, as long as he always wins something in the second season.

That feels selfish, particularly given the more he defiantly insists the Europa League is a major tournament, the more it seems clear he is not aligned with the real ambitions of most of the fans, who only a few seasons ago were watching their team in the “proper final” against Liverpool.

Long may he stay as Tottenham’s manager!