Tottenham are 18th in the Premier League table with 30 points and are two points clear of West Ham.
Away to mid-table Sunderland, an unfortunate goal from behind decided new coach Roberto De Zerbi's first match.
After just over an hour, Nordi Mukiele took a shot just outside the penalty area and the ball was unfortunately deflected into the goal off Tottenham's Micky van de Ven.
A few minutes later, team captain Christian Romero had to leave the game with an injury. The centre-back collided with Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who was able to continue playing.
National team midfielder Lucas Bergvall started for the away team but was substituted after 62 minutes.
