Sylvain Distin's error set Tottenham on the way to a win that puts them within a point of third-placed Liverpool. Distin tried to let Paul Stalteri's pass run out of play but instead Aaron Lennon skipped past him and fed Mido who slotted home with ease.
Robbie Keane added a second goal late on when he latched on to Mido's flick and hammered his shot past David James.
Manchester City were second-best throughout and Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson did not make a single save.
Stuart Pearce's side have picked up only one point since Christmas and they showed few signs of improving that tally in the early stages.
They struggled to get the ball out of their half at times, and their passing and movement was completely out of sorts.
Spurs on the other hand were full of running, with Lennon in particular trying to beat Ben Thatcher at every opportunity, and Mido looking lively up front.
Jermaine Jenas and Michael Carrick took full control of the midfield, and their prompting meant Lennon and Michael Brown saw plenty of the ball on either flank.
But for all their possession, Tottenham were unable to get behind the City defence - until Distin's horrific mistake gifted them the lead just after the half-hour mark.
Distin thought Stalteri's over-hit through-ball would cross the byline - only for Lennon to reach it, draw James and set up Mido who found the net despite the best efforts of Richard Dunne.
It was no less than Spurs deserved - and they almost extended their lead soon after.
More enterprising play from Lennon won him space to send in a cross that eventually reached Keane. He had time to bring the ball down at the far post but could not find the target.
City had barely threatened during the first 45 minutes and things did not improve for them after the restart.
Trevor Sinclair had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down for a handball by Anthony Gardner and substitute Bradley Wright-Phillips shot narrowly wide - but the home side did not manage a shot on target.
And Tottenham made certain of the three points when Mido headed on a Robinson goal-kick for Keane to smash the ball past James with seven minutes left.
This was their third victory in four games and leaves them six points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal as the race for a Champions League spot hots up.
Meanwhile, Pearce will be glad that the open transfer window will allow him to strengthen his side - who badly need a shot in the arm on this showing.
