Martin Jol rested Paul Robinson along with full backs Pascal Chimbonda and Benoit Assou-Ekotto. Ricardo Rocha making his debut was joined in the starting line-up by Jermaine Jenas, back from injury, Hossam Ghaly, Robbie Keane and Mido. Anthony Gardner, Steed Malbranque, Tom Huddlestone and Jermain Defoe all dropped to the bench. Radek Cerny was in goal with Ben Alnwick among the substitutes. Paul Stalteri returned from injury to start at right-back with Young-Pyo Lee on the left.
Aaron Lennon was a wide threat on the left and Jenas was doing everything expected of a central midfielder. Spurs should really have been further ahead by the interval.
At 2-0 up in the second half both keepers were called upon to make fine saves - Cerny denied Kevin Maher, before Daryl Flahavan prevented Jenas scoring a second. He then played Mido in with a chance to head Spurs into a three goal lead before Lennon and Zokora worked a move to set up Keane who was looking to add to his first half effort.
Graham Poll awarded Southend a penalty, a harsh handball decision going against Ghaly and Freddy Eastwood stepped up to narrow the deficit.
Mido scored Tottenham's third goal before leaving the fray clutching his back with five minutes to go.
Martin Jol: "We played some attractive football and we wanted to win the game but the only thing was we had three or four chances in the first half and couldn't score more goals.
"I couldn't say that 2-0 was comfortable - three or four-nil would have been - but 2-0 wasn't and then Southend made it exciting with the penalty.
"At 2-0 up we wanted to score a third without the opposition scoring and that was also what we wanted against Arsenal before.
"At 2-1 maybe they had a chance again, so it was a worry but luckily enough we soon scored the third and that killed the game off.
"It was well deserved because they hardly had a chance and we were the better team."
"Southend gave us a tough match in the Carling Cup not too many weeks ago where we needed extra time, but this time around we finished it off in 90 minutes, with them not having many opportunities.
"It was a good performance from the team, with good individual displays as well up front.
"We had a great atmosphere in the stadium and we were pleased to score three goals.
"I was very happy with JJ coming back. After 10 minutes I turned around to Chrissie (Chris Hughton) and told him 'we've really missed JJ' and you saw that in the first half.
"Southend couldn't cope with him in midfield with his strength, his stamina and his runs forward supporting play.
"Paul Stalteri also came back, and he proved again that he can always do a job."
"Aaron Lennon had an assist from the left and the right - he crossed for JJ's goal from the left and then crossed for Mido's from the right.
"Against Arsenal, he was the probably the best on the pitch and he was the best again."
Chris Hughton: "It was a good performance, far more comfortable than the first game against Southend. Given that we scored when we did, we should have gone in at the break probably two or three goals up.
"But even at 2-1 where anything could have happened, I always felt we would go on and get the extra goal. Overall it was a good display that included some fine individual performances."
Jermaine Jenas: "It was just great to be out there playing again after such a long time. To come in and nick a goal was also good.
"It took me a while to get my breath in the first 15 minutes but the longer the game went on the stronger I felt. It was a credit to the fitness staff and physios."
"The fans were great again and it was nice for me to get the reception I got.
"We needed a comfortable result after the disappointment we had against Arsenal. We needed to get everyone buzzing again and that's what we did."
Ricardo Rocha: "It was important for the team to get through, I think we played well and managed to score three goals. Michael Dawson was fantastic to play alongside.
"I didn't have any problems, it was my first game, everybody was supporting me and that was very, very important. We won and that was the best bit.
Source: TottenhamHotspur.com