Gareth Bale tapped home a Luka Modric corner to break the deadlock after six minutes and he then removed his boot in front of the Bolton fans as a tribute to former Wales manager and Bolton player Gary Speed.

Gary Cahill was given a very harsh red card for a foul on Scott Parker in the 17th minute and Spurs dominated from then on, adding second-half goals from Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon to seal the comfortable win which stretched their unbeaten run to 11 matches.

Modric curled a shot just wide before Coyle grimaced at the sight of Van der Vaart coming on for Lennon with 17 minutes left.

The Scot brought on David Ngog for Klasnic for Bolton.

Van der Vaart made an instant impact, playing in Defoe, whose shot smacked against the post before bouncing out to safety.

Parker, yesterday named Premier League player of the month, received a huge standing ovation when he came off for Jake Livermore with five minutes left as Spurs took their foot off the accelerator knowing the game was already well won.

Modric blocked Knight’s effort with 10 minutes left, but Bolton’s push for a consolation petered out without success.