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.

Pochettino says goal showed team philosophy 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.

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.

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.

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.

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."