Canadian right-back Paul Stalteri pounced shortly before the interval for his first league goal of the season and England midfielder Michael Carrick doubled the lead in the 49th minute.

City grew in confidence in the second half and pulled a goal back through Georgios Samaras before creating further chances to level – with Micah Richards squandering the best.

Defoe was brought on with eight minutes to go, replacing Lennon, and Spurs fans were subjected to an uncomfortable finish as City searched in vain for the equaliser.