Spurs, though, should have tied this game up with ease by then, enjoying about 70 per cent of the possession and creating chance after chance.

The difference between the sides was Sunderland’s ability to finish. Dimitar Berbatov was pulled from the Spurs squad before the start because manager Juande Ramos did not believe he was in the right frame of mind with speculation about a possible move to Manchester United hanging over him.

With Robbie Keane and Jermaine Defoe’s departures, Spurs have severely restricted attacking options.

Sunderland’s only real first half chance came when former Spurs midfielder Steed Malbranque struck the foot of the post after 39 minutes

Darren Bent, now Spurs’ principal striker, had only one real goalscoring effort when he broke through in the second period, only to find the side netting.

It was a surprisingly good performance by the Londoners with Luka Modric buzzing and fizzing all over the pitch and Gareth Bale and David Bentley combining well.

At the back, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate looked sound and keeper Heurelho Gomes safe, but the side lacked firepower.

After a goalless first half Bale headed just over, Woodgate missed a sitter from just feet out, Giovani and Jenas came close and Craig Gordon tipped over a Bentley effort before pulling off a superb save from the same player.

But it was Sunderland who drew first blood when Kieran Richardson, with a screamer from 20 yards, beat Gomes on 54 minutes.

Spurs were level through Jenas 18 minutes later after constant pressure and should have gone on to win, but former Liverpool star Cisse met Daryl Murphy’s cross to earn three points for the Black Cats.

Earlier Danny Collins had come close with a header for Sunderland when he met Andy Reid’s free kick.

For Spurs’ fans, there will be the familiar excuse that this is another season of transition, but their patience is wearing thin.