Tottenham Hotspur beat Sunderland 2-1 to leapfrog Arsenal into the fifth spot in the Premier League, thanks to Dane midfielder Christian Eriksen's goal two minutes from time and crucial late saves from Hugo Lloris at Whit Hart Lane on Saturday.
Struggling Sunderland turned up in north London proudly fielding their new signing, former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, who recently joined from FC Toronto on a three-and-a-half year deal on Friday.
In-form Harry Kane returned after skipping Tottenham's FA Cup replay win over Burnley in midweek, Sport24 reported.
Defender Jan Vertonghen's shot found the back of the net with significant assistance on its way from a John O'Shea's deflection to race Tottenham into a third minute lead.
Tottenham had a close chance of doubling their advantage as the half-hour approached, with only Costel Pantilimon's fine save denying Eriksen's goalbound effort.
Minutes later Steven Fletcher should have levelled for Sunderland but the striker somehow managed to miss from six yards after charging onto Billy Jones' cross at the far post.
However, seconds later Sebastian Larsson curled in a 25-yard free kick awarded when Vertonghen felled Defoe, the ball passing over the wall and into the far corner to level the score.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris produced a fine double save to deal with strikes from Adam Johnson and Graham.
Then, just as the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Eriksen popped up to bag the points for Tottenham, the report added.
