A run of one win in seven matches, including Sunday's dispiriting 4-3 defeat to Chelsea, has left Ange Postecoglou's position under scrutiny and intensified the focus on the quality of the Tottenham head coach's squad.
Postecoglou has said he has already held several meetings with technical director Johan Lange about strengthening in January but suggested that Spurs' mid-season business will be dependent on the state of his squad going into the window.
As Spurs' form nosedives and their injuries mount up, the club could do with fresh blood to salvage their season.
So which areas need reinforcements in the winter window?
Goalkeeper
Fraser Forster has been impressive since stepping in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario, making fine saves against Fulham, Bournemouth and Chelsea last week.
Vicario is expected to return from a fractured ankle in February and, provided Forster remains fit, the veteran's performances have surely convinced Spurs to wait until the summer before signing genuine competition for the Italian.
Defence
The decision not to sign a defender in the summer appeared strange and it is no easier to fathom now, particularly given Postecoglou's reluctance to use Djed Spence. Spurs are short of cover at centre-half and left-back, so a player who could cover both positions in January feels like a priority.
The club are sweating over Cristian Romero's possible quad injury sustained against Chelsea, amid reports he could be sidelined for most of January, while Ben Davies picked up a hamstring strain at Bournemouth.
Postecoglou suggested in September that signing another centre-back may block Ashley Phillips, 19, and Luka Vuskovic, 17, (both currently on loan) from breaking into the team in future but Spurs need experience now, not more promising teenagers.
Midfield
No8 is the one area of the pitch where Postecoglou has had genuine competition for places during the recent injury crisis, with Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr battling it out for two spots.
If Lucas Bergvall develops as hoped, Spurs will remain well-stocked there. They also have Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and potentially Archie Gray to compete at No6. Midfield, then, feels the lowest priority area for January, even if Postecoglou will want to make upgrades in future.
Attack
Postecoglou has said there is "no doubt" that Spurs need attacking reinforcements given the current strain on Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson and Heung-min Son. Richarlison has struggled to stay fit, while Wilson Odobert's first season at Spurs has been disrupted by a major hamstring injury. Neither is expected back until well into the new year.
In time, Mikey Moore - who is still recovering from an energy-sapping virus - is expected to develop into a top player but relying on him this season may be premature. Another forward is therefore a priority for January, even with 18-year-old Min-hyeok Yang set to join from Gangwon FC.
