This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be coming to the end of a cycle.

Mauricio Pochettino saw his side draw 1-1 with Sheffield United on Saturday and they are left with 14 points in 12^th-place.

That’s 12 behind Chelsea and Leicester City, who beat Crystal Palace and Arsenal respectively on the same day.

Spurs’ performance was poor.

Son Heung-Min scored their goal after a major defensive mix-up and, while they had over 60% of possession, per WhoScored, they only had one more shot on target than Chris Wilder’s impressive Blades.

Where Sheffield United were well-organised, well-drilled and disciplined throughout, Spurs appeared lackadaisical and ponderous on the ball. Harry Kane, at the tip of the spear, had just two shots on goal throughout.

That speaks to a lack of chances created and an inability to properly support the England international.

But this is not the first time this has happened.

Spurs last won in the Premier League in September, when they beat Southampton 2-1. Since then, in domestic competition, they have been thumped 3-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion, drawn with Watford, lost to Liverpool and drawn with Everton, thanks to a 97^th-minute Cenk Tosun header.

In five games, they have taken three points. It must be said, as well, that they have not won away in the league since January.

Since beating Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage, in 12 games, with 36 points available, they have taken just three – in draws with Manchester City, Arsenal and Everton. At home, they have taken 31 points from a possible 45 in 15 games. Their only defeats since January have come against West Ham United and Newcastle United.

This is not sustainable, this double standard. As it stands, Spurs are averaging 1.1 points per game. If this run continues, they will finish the season with 44 points. That would have seen them finish 15^th last season, joint-11^th in 17/18 and joint-12^th in 16/17.

The message here is clear: Spurs are playing like a mid-table club, desperately scratching for points wherever they can find them.

Pochettino, of course, oversaw a near miracle last season as Spurs reached the Champions League final but, for quite a while now, the league form has been dipping.

Already, it appears a massive task for Spurs to be able to reach the top four. Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City all look well set and then there are a few teams fighting for fourth.

One has to ask the question: Are Spurs even in that question anymore?

It remains to be seen how much damage missing out on qualification would have on the club and on the squad next season.

First of all, though, the responsibility ultimately falls on Pochettino, the man who picks the team and makes the decisions.

If Spurs go another month in this form and continue to fall further away from those at the top, a change may have to be made.