Martin Jol’s side had trailed to Henri Camara’s 24th-minute opener but fought back in stunning style just prior to the interval through Jermain Defoe, his 50th in the Barclays Premiership, and Dimitar Berbatov.

Aaron Lennon completed the scoring in the last seconds of stoppage time to condemn Wigan to their first defeat in six games and help Spurs leapfrog them and move up to 10th place in the league table.

Tottenham began the game in sparkling fashion with Berbatov bringing a save out of Chris Kirkland within the first minute after some clever work on the right flank by the quick-footed Lennon.

In the seventh minute, Defoe’s trickery brought the first booking of the afternoon when referee Mark Clattenburg disciplined Wigan’s Emmerson Boyce for his late challenge on the England striker.

Six minutes later it the was the turn of Wigan to test Tottenham keeper Paul Robinson when Camara tried his luck with a shot on the turn from 18 yards. However, the England stopper dealt with his low drive in a comfortable fashion.

Tottenham’s early pressure failed to bring them the reward of an opening goal and Wigan, with four clean sheets in the last five games, were beginning to enjoy more of the possession.

The visitors deservedly opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Camara. He had been a constant threat to the Spurs defence and made no mistake when he found himself unmarked in the penalty.

A cross to the far post from David Wright gave Lee McCulloch the opportunity to head the ball back to Camara who despatched a volley into the roof of the net for his fifth goal of the season.

It brought an immediate response from Spurs but Kirkland denied Steed Malbranque and then kept out another effort from Defoe.

In the 28th minute Wigan were forced to make a change when Gary Teale was deemed unfit to carry on and he was replaced by former England striker Emile Heskey.

It forced Paul Jewell to switch Kevin Kilbane from the left to the right flank to accommodate Heskey in attack.

Wigan captain Leighton Baines was the next player to end up displeasing referee Clattenburg when he held back Lennon and was shown the yellow card in the 33rd minute.

Lennon got the better of the Wigan left-back moments later though but his final ball was wasted by Malbranque who shot wide of the target from eight yards.

But the home side were enjoying a good spell with teenager Tom Huddlestone at the heart of all their best moves.

In the 41st minute, the England Under-21 international was unlucky with a speculative 30-yard drive which flashed just over the top of Wigan crossbar.

But two goals in 89 seconds put Spurs in front. In the 42nd minute Defoe put Spurs back on level terms when he finished off a neat move in style.

Didier Zokora’s through ball to Berbatov saw the Bulgarian striker lay the ball on to Defoe and the England forward’s quick feet completely fooled Boyce as he turned and fired home.

Seconds later Berbatov put the home side ahead when he latched on to a pass from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and raced clear of Matt Jackson before lofting his shot over Kirkland.

Tottenham’s storming finish to the first half had clearly rattled Wigan and the home side took advantage by maintaining the momentum after the restart.

However, in the 51st minute Spurs were almost gifted a third goal when Berbatov’s cross was deflected into the hands of a startled Kirkland by defender Jackson.

Three minutes later Berbatov and Lennon combined to give Defoe the perfect opportunity to notch his 51st Premiership goal but the England striker sent his shot into the stands from 18 yards.

Moments later referee Clattenburg booked Wigan substitute Heskey after he appeared to catch Michael Dawson with his elbow.

In the 64th minute, a quick break out of defence by Lennon saw the England winger supply Defoe with a clever crossfield pass.

Defoe’s skill let him down for once and the retreating Wigan defence managed to clear the danger but Lennon wrapped up a fine afternoon for the home side with the third goal in the last seconds of stoppage time.