A superb Danny Rose volley and a second from Gareth Bale edged Nicklas Bendtner's second half effort to hand Spurs a first league win over Arsene Wenger's side in 11 years.
VIDEO:Watch Rose rocket
"It's about 11 years since we beat Arsenal so it was a great result for us," said Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.
"Sunday's (FA Cup semi-final defeat) knocked us all for six to be honest, but we showed the character we've got at the club."
Elsewhere, seventh-placed Aston Villa salvaged a late 2-2 draw against Everton, who are in eighth spot. Tim Cahill headed in both Everton's goals either side of Gabriel Agbonlahor's second-half header before Phil Jagielka's injury-time own goal levelled it.
The 19-year-old midfielder made sure his first Premier League start was one to remember when he met Arsenal goalkeeper's Manuel Almunia's punched clearance with a crashing 30 metre volley which rocketed in on 10 minutes.
"He is a good little player. That was great technique and a great goal," Redknapp added.
It got worse for Arsenal soon after when key defender Thomas Vermaelen limped off injured and despite dominating possession Wenger's side had no answer to Tottenham's resilience.
Aston Villa's push for that very same position continued to falter with their draw against a resurgent Everton side now unbeaten in seven league matches.
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