Sunderland 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Ryan Mason was taken off with an injury he picked up when he scored the winner

Ryan Mason's late strike earned Tottenham victory at Sunderland and the club's first league win of the season.

Having failed to muster an effort on target in the first half, Spurs broke the deadlock when Mason dinked his shot past the onrushing Costel Pantilimon, injuring himself while doing so.

Sunderland's ex-Spurs man Jermain Defoe had the best chance prior to the goal when his shot cannoned off the post.

The result leaves the home side bottom of the division, while Spurs are 12th.

• Read how Tottenham defeated Sunderland

Son v Borini - which attacker came out on top?

Neither side's attack was on top form and little could be gauged from how new signings Son Heung-min of Tottenham and Sunderland's Fabio Borini about how they will fare this season.

South Korea forward Son, signed for a reported £22m, was brought in to help ease the burden on goalless Harry Kane - last season's 31-goal man.

He played in a three behind the England striker, wearing seven but almost playing like a number 10, and was given responsibility to take set pieces in the final third.

The heat map shows the area which Son occupied

However, most of his deliveries were poor and he air-kicked when he had the chance to score from six yards in the first half. He came off in the 62nd minute.

Borini, who spent a successful 2013-14 season on loan, was rather less involved than Son, despite a spritely start to the match.

What are Tottenham missing?

Remember the days it was a joy to watch a Tottenham team featuring an attack of Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Luka Modric and Emmanuel Adebayor? It is a far less cavalier team under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Spurs, who went into the game having only managed three goals in the league, were dire in the final third for much of the match. Only once Erik Lamela and Andros Townsend came on did the visitors provide some bite up front. Mason's winner was the result of a great move, but also the only highlight for the London side.

They need a striker to help Kane and probably wish the transfer window was still open.

The touchmap shows Harry Kane had more touches (right) than Jermain Defoe (left) - but Defoe was more of a threat in the area

Man of the match - Jeremain Lens (Sunderland)

The Dutchman provided great support for Jermain Defoe and also, with five, won the most fouls - a pest for Tottenham

What the managers said - 'Players could not handle speed'

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat: "We had the better chances at the start, we knew we were playing against a good side and the speed of the game was unbelievable. Some players could not handle it in the end.

"We had to score a goal but it was not to be. At the end of the game, the better side had more luck than we had. Some players still need match fitness.

"Everyone did well but up front we could not score that chance we got."

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino: "We will assess Mason tomorrow [he was injured while scoring]. It was a big knock on the knee. It was a great goal and we showed how we try to play.

"The first half was 50-50, an open game, but we dominated the second half. I'm very pleased for our first victory. We played a high tempo from the beginning.

"I am very happy with Son, he played really well. He is a good player for us."

The stats you need to know

• Sunderland have conceded 11 goals this season - only Chelsea have conceded more in the league.

• They have gone eight league matches without a win (D4, L4).

• Ryan Mason's goal was only his third for Tottenham in all competitions in 46 appearances.

• Spurs' starting 11 had an average age of 24 years and 135 days, the youngest in the Premier League so far this season.

Who's up next?

Sunderland have a 353-mile trip to Bournemouth next weekend, followed by a League Cup tie at home to Manchester City. Tottenham are back in Europa League action against Qarabag on Thursday, before they face Crystal Palace at home next Sunday. Will Europa League fatigue set in this season?