Ryan Mason's strike in the final 10 minutes proved the difference, ensuring that it is now no defeats in 11 against the Black Cats for a Spurs side who climb up to 12th place in the table.

Ryan Mason celebrates scoring for Spurs against Sunderland on September 13, 2015 © Getty Images

The visitors wanted a spot kick inside the opening minute when Kyle Walker made a run into the Sunderland box before being challenged by Patrick van Aanholt, but referee Craig Pawson did not think the defender's shove was enough for a penalty.

There were chances at both ends early on though as Jermain Defoe started to look lively against his former club for the home side, while Harry Kane fired over down the other end for Tottenham.

Defoe soon found himself through on goal again as he got the better of Walker, leaving him with only Hugo Lloris to beat, but his low drive was kept out by the foot of the left upright.

The striker continued to cause problems for the Spurs defenders as he attempted to cross the ball in to Ola Toivonen after a quick run down the left, only for Ben Davies to tap it back to Lloris, before Defoe struck the ball straight into the arms of the keeper just before half time.

Harry Kane and Billy Jones in action during the game between Spurs and Sunderland on September 13, 2015 © Getty Images

Sunderland dominated possession in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, but it was Mauricio Pochettino's side who had the first shot after the break as Mason tried his luck from long range, but was unable to trouble Costel Pantilimon.

Jeremain Lens started to link up with Defoe more often as the Black Cats continued to create chances though, but the summer signing did not get his finishing touch right, leaving Lloris with another comfortable stop.

As the hour mark approached, it was still Sunderland who were creating the better chances, with Yann M'Vila finding Toivonen, who could only fire wide, before Lens had another effort a couple of minutes later, which Lloris dealt with.

Defoe continued to make things happen for Dick Advocaat's side, laying the ball off for Lens to run towards the Tottenham box, but Jan Vertonghen managed to get himself between the striker and the goal to prevent him getting his shot away.

Kane, still without a club goal this term, wasted a decent chance of his own to open the scoring when fluffing his lines at the back post soon after.

Spurs, who had failed to win their opening four league games for the first time since 2008, continued to press for an opener, which Eric Dier could not quite provide when meeting Erik Lamela's cross.

The breakthrough did finally arrive eight minutes from time, though, as some smart link-up play culminated in Mason being played in on goal, where he just about kept his nerve to chip the ball over Pantilimon.

It came at a cost, however, as the midfielder was stretchered off the field in the aftermath of the celebrations.

There was very nearly a late twist moments later when former Tottenham player Younes Kaboul burst down the wing before pulling back for Jack Rodwell, who saw his first-time effort crash back off the bar.

Kane still had time to make certain of the points, only to be denied by Pantilimon, while Lamela and Nacer Chadli also spurned good openings.

Sunderland tried desperately to snatch a late equaliser that their efforts deserved, but there was to be no dramatic leveller at the death to ensure that their winless start goes on.