Robbie Keane's match-winning double for Tottenham was scarcely deserved and was hard punishment for West Brom keeper Tomasz Kuszczak to bear.
Jermain Defoe was largely anonymous alongside Keane. Both rarely saw the ball in dangerous areas as West Brom hussled and harried to soon get on top. Curtis Davies and Steve Watson were dominant figures in the visitors' defence.
West Brom controlled the first half-hour before they limited Spurs' recovery to just a few clear chances. They continued to give Spurs much to think about as the home side found it difficult to find any rhythm.
Tottenham failed to turn up the heat early in the second period and were still struggling despite the occasional jet-heeled bursts of winger Aaron Lennon.
Tottenham initially scented turning one point into three but the Baggies had regained their defensive assurance. Hard-grafting West Brom deserved far better by the time Kuszczak gifted the hosts victory.