Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham failed to hold on to their one goal advantage after conceding a late equaliser to Roma's veteran defender Mats Hummels.
This was a game that would have seen Spurs in a far more comfortable position in the UEFA Europa League table, heading into their last three fixtures against Rangers, Hoffenheim and IF Elfsborg.
The most significant of the remaining fixtures is the Lilywhites' trip to Ibrox to take on a Rangers side that currently have a place in the top eight, meaning they would automatically progress.
Having let another three points escape them, the North London outfit demonstrated, once again, some weaknesses that need to be addressed.
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Every chance matters
This may sound glaringly obvious, but it is something Postecoglou's players seem to forget at least once a fortnight.
Tottenham are often brandished with the term 'Spursy' and it boils down to the absence of efficiency in front of goal.
After a phenomenal triumph against Manchester City on Saturday, many Spurs supporters would have been expecting a difficult night against the inaugural winners of the UEFA Conference League.
Having generated an xG of 3.91 on the night, it's safe to say moments presented themselves for the North London club to claim the victory.
One particular incident saw Dominic Solanke almost break dancing in the six-yard box trying to scramble to ball over the line, yet his improvisation was to no avail.
If Tottenham have plans of even challenging for major trophies under Ange Postecoglou, they have to be more clinical in front of goal.
They may concede goals but the Australian's philosophy involves outscoring opposition and that is only possible if the vast majority of chances the team create are finished effectively.
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Tottenham need additional full-back cover
The performances of Archie Gray at full-back have by no means been disastrous nor a cause for major concern, but it is clear to see he is not best suited to that area of the pitch.
The 18-year-old is the only full-back cover Spurs had available in their first team for the Europa League, with Djed Spence not being registered for the competition.
This results in Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro receiving very little respite from Premier League action, increasing the likelihood of injuries and fatigue in the latter stages of matches.
Mistakes began to creep into Porro's game in the final 20 minutes against Roma, on one occasion failing to head the ball back to Fraser Forster, narrowly escaping paying the ultimate price.
This is an issue that should be assessed in the January window and at the very latest next summer. It is not merely to add depth but to also provide competition for Tottenham's first choice full-backs.
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Consistency proving hard to find (again)
Consistency is a recurring issue for Tottenham, which ultimately results in them falling short of clubs such as Liverpool and Man City.
It is not only in front of goal where dependability is lacking, but in general system play under Ange Postecoglou.
One instance in the game yesterday saw the Australian raging at Brennan Johnson, due to the Welsh winger's lack of forward movement with the ball.
The way in which Postecoglou demands his team to play is strenuous on the players and at times results in mental fatigue and preventable errors.
The decision a player makes to be direct with a pass, or to not track an opposition player, can cost Spurs precious points, with yesterday being a prime example of this.
Hummels' winning goal was a driven cross towards the back post, with three unmarked Roma players waiting to finish the chance in the dying embers of the match.
This was another goal to add to the catalogue of costly lapses in concentration from the Lilywhites, something that will need to be reduced if silverware successes are to be achieved.
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Is Fraser Forster good enough?
After Guglielmo Vicario played an hour against Manchester City with a fractured ankle, he required surgery, which in turn has deemed him unfit for the foreseeable future.
Fraser Forster, as Tottenham's back-up goalkeeper, has to now step in and fill the boots of the injured Italian. However, is he up to the task?
The experienced keeper has previously proven himself to be a good shot-stopper which, without threatening to sound like Roy Keane, is his job in between the sticks.
An example of this being the reaction save against Roma, where he tipped a powerful shot from close range over the bar.
The doubts some Spurs fans will have with the 36-year-old are his ability to use his feet, which proved problematic most recently against Galatasaray in the Europa League.
As much as their concerns are genuine, it will be unrealistic to assume Brandon Austin or Alfie Whiteman would step in because of this due to their lack of experience.
On the other hand, Forster is more confident defending corners due to his size, but uncertainty around this returned for some supporters yesterday, with defending set pieces still proving an arduous task for Tottenham.
With the Englishman seeing the North London club into the new year between the sticks, with more regular game time, those at the club will hope his confidence increases with each game.
The man who delivered what Lionel Messi once described as the best performance he had seen from a goalkeeper is now hoping to recapture that form in a Spurs shirt.
Tottenham need Fraser Forster now more than ever, with Vicario's absence providing him with the platform to truly prove his worth to the club.
