Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring the opening goal with teammates during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane on January 17, 2015 © Getty Images

It took Spurs just three minutes to edge in front at White Hart Lane when a corner from Christian Eriksen was only half-cleared to Jan Vertonghen, who netted his first league goal for almost two years with a deflected shot from the edge of the area.

Moments later, the visitors were aggrieved not to win a spot kick after Jermain Defoe, making his Sunderland debut against his former club, was seemingly hauled down by Vertonghen, but referee Chris Foy waved away strong appeals for a penalty.

Spurs had chances to extend their advantage through Eriksen and Roberto Soldado, but shortly after the half-hour mark, they were made to pay when Sebastian Larsson curled a free kick past Hugo Lloris from 20 yards.

Sebastian Larsson of Sunderland scores from a free kick during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane on January 17, 2015 © Getty Images

The home side were momentarily rattled but as the game entered first-half injury time, they came close to regaining their lead through top goalscorer Harry Kane, who saw his shot ricochet off the woodwork.

Mauricio Pochettino's team came out for the second half on the front foot and after a sustained spell of possession, Eriksen forced another solid stop out of Pantilimon.

Kane was in the thick of the action and wasted two chances either side of the hour mark, before Pantilimon comfortably kept out Nacer Chadli's half-volley.

Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his team's second goal with Harry Kane (L) and Danny Rose during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane on January 17, 2015 © Getty Images

Emmanuel Adebayor was soon involved after being introduced as a replacement for Soldado, but he could do little with a left-foot volley while fellow substitute Andros Townsend flashed wide of the post.

Despite having to withstand constant Spurs pressure throughout the second half, Sunderland had a golden opportunity to move in front with nine minutes remaining when Lloris smothered a shot into the path of Danny Graham, a replacement for Defoe, but the striker could only fire the ball straight at the Frenchman.

Gus Poyet's men appeared to be on course for a valuable point, but with two minutes to go, Eriksen found the back of the net via the woodwork as Spurs struck to maintain their challenge for Champions League qualification.