West Brom came from behind to secure a point against Tottenham thanks to Chris Brunt's 50th league goal of his career.

Tottenham, who gave debuts to William Gallas and Rafael van der Vaart, had plenty of the early play and went ahead as Luka Modric fired in from 12 yards.

But the Baggies hit back and levelled towards the end of the first half when Brunt headed in from close range.

Spurs keeper Carlo Cudicini made two key saves, keeping out a Jonas Olsson header and Peter Odemwinge's curler.

Spurs, who travel to Werder Bremen in the Champions League on Tuesday, dominated the early stages as Van der Vaart orchestrated the attacks with his skilful left foot, playing just behind lone striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Gallas settled into a new-look central defensive partnership alongside fellow Frenchman Younes Kaboul, despite jibes from the Baggies contingent who sang: "Gallas is an Arsenal fan."

Aaron Lennon should have done better having been set-up by a deft backheel from Van der Vaart, but the winger's left-foot shot was high and wide.

However, the visitors were soon ahead and it was their new £8m signing Van der Vaart who instigated it, with a flighted pass dropping invitingly for Modric, who drove into the bottom corner clinically.

Modric, who was only just returning to the side following injury, was forced to hobble off soon after his goal.

The talented midfielder's attempted challenge resulted in a knock to the same leg that he fractured last season, and the Lilywhites will be fearful of a repeat of the three-month absence he endured then.

Gareth Bale, despite dropping to left-back to accommodate the return of Modric, enjoyed some typically scintillating runs down the flank, but Spurs failed to find the second goal their possession merited and were made to pay as the Baggies found their way back into the match.

Debutant Paul Scharner, who was in the Wigan team beaten 9-1 at White Hart Lane last season, headed a Brunt corner narrowly wide and came close again with a long-range effort.

But in the closing moments of the first half Marc-Antoine Fortune's forceful run resulted in a left-footed drive that looped up off Spurs keeper Cudicini, Odemwingie flicked on the loose ball and Brunt got in front of Bale to apply the final touch.

With the Baggies in the ascendancy Odemwingie's low 25-yard shot was smothered by Cudicini and Spurs were grateful to hear the half-time whistle.

The Londoners started well after the break, and some intricate passing culminated in a delightful through ball from Van der Vaart to free Bale, but having cut inside, the Welshman did not get enough power in his shot and it was kept out by Scott Carson.

The England international goalkeeper was alert to deny Tottenham again moments later when he pushed aside a stinging drive from Kaboul, while at the other end an unmarked Odemwingie headed over.

Gallas had a steady debut but occasionally looked short of match fitness and was given a yellow card by World Cup final referee Howard Webb, officiating in his first Premier League match of the season, after hauling down Odemwingie.

Spurs introduced Robbie Keane and Peter Crouch but were devoid of ideas as the Baggies dominated the final quarter of the contest.

Olsson's angled header was destined for the far corner as was a low effort from the tricky Odemwingie, but Cudicini, criticised for Wigan's winner at White Hart Lane last month, made stunning saves.

He was also quickly off his line to narrow the angle as Gabriel Tamas surged through to collect a neat backheel from Odemwingie, the defender's shot flashing wide as Spurs held on.