Spurs finally gave their fans something to smile about as they turned on the style to end a disappointing season on a high note.
Tim Sherwood made a welcome return from injury, coming off the bench to score the second goal, but the highlight of the afternoon was an exquisite chip from right back Stephen Carr that wrapped up the game after 82 minutes.
It made it a good afternoon for manager George Graham, who returned to the Tottenham dug-out in the second half after missing the previous five games with an arthritis.
He saw his side beat a Sunderland team who finished the game with 10 men after substitute Alex Rae was shown the red card for a blatant elbow on David Ginola two minutes from the end.
The only disappointment for Spurs was an abortive return from injury by Oyvind Leonhardsen, who lasted 41 minutes before breaking down.
Spurs took the lead when they were awarded a penalty on 10 minutes when Chris Armstrong was hacked down by Sunderland defender Paul Butler.
Referee Mike Riley had no hesitation in pointing to the spot to the fury of the Sunderland players who felt the foul occurred outside the box - but their appeals were ignored and Darren Anderton tucked the penalty away.
But the lead lasted only nine minutes, as Sunderland got the justice they felt they deserved with Chris Makin's first Premiership goal of the season.
Spurs defended sloppily down the left and Kevin Phillips fed his skipper who stroked home the ball neatly with the outside of his boot.
The pace dropped after the two goals, and the only highlight was the sight of Ginola spraying the ball around for Spurs in a free role in the centre of midfield.
Spurs were forced to make a change at the interval as Iversen failed to emerge for the second half.
His replacement was Gary Doherty who came off the bench to make his debut at Old Trafford last weekend, so he was following that up with his home bow today.
Doherty almost made a dream start when after 50 minutes Freund crossed low from the right and he turned the ball on to the post.
After 72 minutes Freund's long throw was headed on by Sol Campbell and Sherwood arrived to stab it home.
But Spurs saved the best until last and ten minutes later Carr made a surging run down the right and after spotting Thomas Sorensen off his line he beat him with a fantastic chip.
Spurs went on the customary lap of honour and the fans will be wondering how significant it was that skipper Campbell was the last man off the pitch.
Was he saying thank-you to the fans for their support this season, or was he waving them goodbye?
