The 2002-03 season was far from perfect for Tottenham, after the disappointment of failing to win the league cup final the previous season, Spurs endured on a miserable campaign in all domestic cup competitions, they only managed to finish in the third round of the league cup, losing 2-1 against Burnley, worse was to follow in the FA Cup as they were knocked out in the third round, a 4-0 humiliating defeat against Southampton. They faired little better in the league, only managing 14 wins out of 38 matches, edging out on tenth place in the league.
The 2003-04 season proved to be a debacle for Spurs, they faired better in the FA Cup, finishing in the quarter finals, however they crashed in the league, only finishing 14th, many blaming a poor forward line since the departure of Teddy Sheringham and Steffen Iverson.
Spurs were much more impressive during the 2004-05 season, their performance in the premiership improved as they boosted their positioning to ninth. Spurs bought Jermaine Defoe and Michael Carrick at the beginning of the season and it proved to be money well spent.
Edgar Davids signed for Spurs in time for the 2005/06 season and Spurs were emphatic through out. There were plenty of goals in Spurs during their campaign, with Robbie Keane, Defoe and Mido all fighting for up front places, Tottenham’s league performances were outstanding as they finished the season off in fifth position. Their lack of concentration in cup competitions (early elimination) improved their overall league form.