Spurs started better than there Northern rivals as they attacked the Magpies straight from the kick off and Andre Villas-Boas' side would soon be 1-0 up.
Gareth Bale, in superb form of late, gave the home side the lead after just four minutes, firing a 20-yard free-kick just inside Tim Krul's near post.
New signing Lewis Holtby was having an inspired game for Spurs and he could have doubled the lead after nine minutes, but his effort from the edge of the area went just over the bar.
The former Schalke man would have three more chances during the first-half, none that found the back of the net, but they will have shown Spurs' fans exactly what he is worth.
Newcastle had a huge chance to draw level after 20 minutes but Papiss Cisse could only head wide after a fine ball from Fabricio Coloccini.
However, moments later and they did grab the equaliser through Yoan Gouffran, whose shot from the edge of the area deflected into the net.
Alan Pardew's side then controlled the game as Spurs failed to create anything of real note.
Steven Taylor coming close just before the hour mark but his volley was saved by Hugo Lloris.
Bale grabbed a second goal to put Spurs back in front on 78 minute after a mistake by Coloccini allowed the Welshman through on goal and he slid the ball under Tim Krul to put his side back in-front.
Bale almost grabbed a hat-trick after 87 minutes when he shot from distance late on but Krul was not beaten for a third time.
Shola Ameobi could have leveled late on but Hugo Lloris saved well as Spurs held on for a vital win that sees them stay third.
image: © Matt Boulton
Ben Crump
@bencrump84more stories from Ben Crump
Founder of Inside Spanish Football and Freelance European Football Writer, previously worked for Goal.com, Forza Italian Football, Shoot Magazine. Youth Football Coach and dedicated husband and father!
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