Hart, who played for England against Hungary on Wednesday, made six superb saves to keep City in the game before halftime. His team mates finally woke up to give Tottenham a contest after the interval.
In the end a draw was just about a fair result as City shaded the second half and both sides showed enough to suggest they will be serious contenders to finish in the top four, and possibly even in the mix for the title.
Harry Redknapp's side were the more cohesive unit on Saturday as they clicked straight into their old rhythm. They could have been out of sight before halftime as Roberto Mancini's rich side played the opening half at half pace.
As late as Friday, Mancini said he had not decided whether Hart or Shay Given would start the season in goal for City. The Italian's eventual decision proved fully justified as Hart denied a rampant Tottenham in the first half.
His first reflex save to block Jermain Defoe's close-range volley was superb and minutes later he tumbled to his right to save a dipping volley from Tom Huddlestone.
CITY'S BIG NAMES STRUGGLE
With City's big names struggling to make an impact, Hart again produced heroics to claw away Benoit Assou Ekotto's deflected shot.
On the half hour mark Hart was finally beaten but Gareth Bale's skidding shot thumped the base of the post and Aaron Lennon's follow-up was blocked by Vincent Kompany.
Johnson made an immediate impact, bamboozling two Spurs defenders before the ball broke for City's workaholic skipper Carlos Tevez whose shot was deflected just wide.
