Tottenham secured their first away victory in the Premiership - but were forced to work hard for their win.

The visitors dominated the first half thanks to Calum Davenport's 15th minute header and a superb 20-yard half-volley from Tom Huddlestone on 24 minutes.

But City fought back when Joey Barton latched onto Paul Dickov's cross and volleyed home in the 64th minute.

Barton also had an appeal for a penalty turned down when he was felled by Steed Malbranque in the final five minutes.

The game ended in stark contrast to the first half, when Spurs completely dominated possession and created numerous goalscoring chances.

Calum Davenport put the Londoners ahead with a smart header from Huddlestone's free-kick.

The centre-back - in the side for the suspended Michael Dawson - intelligently directed his header beyond Nicky Weaver for his first goal in Spurs colours.

And Huddlestone doubled the lead on 24 minutes with a vicious, curling, right-footed half-volley on the edge of the box.

It was the midfielder's first goal for Spurs in the Premiership and fitting reward for finishing a move he began deep inside his own half.

Spurs continued to dominate and City had Richard Dunne to thank when he cleared Steed Malbranque's goal-bound volley from 12 yards.

The interval gave City boss Pearce the opportunity to reshuffle his formation, bringing on defender Nedum Onouha for the ineffective Georgios Samaras and partnering Paul Dickov with Darius Vassell up front.

And his stern half-time team talk had its desired effect as City began to push forward in search of goals.

Stephen Ireland missed a good opportunity when he fired over Paul Robinson's crossbar and Davenport's interception prevented Dickov from getting a shot on goal.

And City eventually reaped reward for their endeavour with Barton's goal.

The midfielder was unmarked as he latched onto Dickov's well-directed cross into the Spurs box.

And Eastlands erupted in a cacophony of boos when Malbranque appeared to bring down Barton in the box on 85 minutes, but referee Rob Styles dismissed calls for a penalty.