Juan Pablo Angel moved Aston Villa a step closer to European football next season with his 22nd goal of the season.
The Colombian international has been Villa's main inspiration this season and proved the major difference between the two teams on this occasion.
Villa, with only one win in their previous ten starts against Spurs, were always well on top and better finishing in the second half should have given them a more conclusive win over their disorganised opposition.
The pleasing aspect of Villa's latest success was the confident displays of the likes of Gareth Barry, who enjoyed his best home game for several matches, Thomas Hitzlsperger, and young Liam Ridgewell who coped extremely well with the three-pronged attack of Fredi Kanoute, Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe.
Villa sealed their crucial win when they made a perfect start as Angel opened the scoring after just five minutes.
It was a perfectly executed move which began with a Hitzlsperger free-kick on the right, deep to the left where Gareth Barry headed the ball back across the face of Spurs' goal for the onrushing Angel to force home from close range.
This goal noticeably upset Spurs as there was considerable disquiet among the players.
Spurs' best chance of an equaliser fell to Kanoute with a powerful angled shot that Thomas Sorensen blocked.
But most of the concern surrounded Spurs defence, which was far from secure. With Dean Richards and Anthony Gardner operating as sweepers it accorded Villa plenty of opportunities to breakthrough and led to several dangerous attacks.
It was from another set piece from which Angel went close to adding to his tally. But on this occasion his header from Hitzlsperger's free-kick went just over the bar.
Spurs were in complete disarray at the start of the second half and could easily have conceded two goals in a minute.
The improving Hitzlsperger slammed a pile-driver against the bar and seconds later Barry shot wide.
Spurs survived another Villa attacking burst when Gavin McCann also shot wide with the Londoners' defence all at sea.
More by good fortune Spurs were able to stay in the game and this created a situation whereby Villa had to remain vigilant.
This was proved when Simon Davies created a clear-cut chance for himself but shot straight at Sorsensen to the relief of the Villa fans.