Tottenham claimed their first victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Former Spurs striker Jermaine Defoe was the focal point of Sunderland's attack in the first half, having numerous efforts at goal and wearing down Tottenham's back four.

He should have given the Black Cats the lead in the 26th minute after being sent clean through on goal, only for his shot to hit the post.

The visitors were nevertheless a threat however, and had a chance of their own, through new signing Heung-min Son, but he could not make the most of his effort after being set up by Walker.

Defoe was involved again after the restart, playing a pass to Lens but his shot was too tame and easily saved by Lloris. Then, straight up the other end, Mason's teasing through ball just evaded the onrushing Chadli.

The game began to open up as the half-hour mark ticked over, with Lens having another chance come and go, before Harry Kane missing his best chance of the match for Tottenham , miscuing a volley with the goal at his mercy.

There was finally a breakthrough in the 82nd minute as some tremendous link-up play from Spurs opened up Sunderland's defence with Lamela playing an influential role, providing a sliding through ball for Mason to finish pass Pantilimon.

Dick Advocaat's team came agonisingly close to equalising when substitute Rodwell's shot came crashing off the bar, but they could not find a late goal, as the club from North London held on to claim 3 all-important points.

Sunderland: 0

Tottenham: 1 (Mason 82)

Attendance: 40,303

Match report by Joe Baker