Sergio Aguero was the scourge of Tottenham once again as Manchester City won 1-0 at White Hart Lane on the day they were dethroned as Premier League champions by Chelsea.
City went into Sunday's game knowing their slim hopes of retaining the title were over after Jose Mourinho's side beat Crystal Palace earlier in the day, but they advanced their hopes of claiming second spot.
Aguero scored all four goals in City's 4-1 home win over Tottenham in October and his first-half strike ensured he has now found the back of the net eight times in his last four games against the London club.
The Premier League's leading scorer this season now has 22 goals in the top flight and 28 in all competitions, but will not be celebrating another title as Chelsea are 13 points clear with three games remaining.
Tottenham had their chances, but were thwarted by an inspired Joe Hart as they failed to build on a bright start and their hopes of securing a UEFA Champions League spot are now practically over, while City are three points clear of Arsenal - who play Hull City on Monday.
Danny Rose recovered from a hamstring injury to replace Ben Davies, who dislocated his shoulder in Tottenham's draw at Southampton last weekend.
Tottenham had been on the end of heavy losses in their last three games against City, but looked capable of dishing out a thrashing of their own as they made a positive start.
David Silva was the architect, showing great vision to pick out the Argentina striker inside the penalty area with an incisive pass and City's leading scorer fired high into the net at the near post.
Fernandinho's goal-bound shot was blocked by Rose before firing wide when Silva set him up, but City were indebted to a great Hart save to deny Ryan Mason from close range two minutes before the break.
Hart again came to City's rescue on the hour mark when he stood up to thwart Kane, who evaded Martin Demichelis to race clear but was unable to apply the finish.
Aguero really ought to have doubled the visitors' lead almost immediately, rounding Lloris with his first touch but firing into the side-netting with his second when off balance with the goal gaping.
Samir Nasri lasted only three minutes after replacing Frank Lampard before limping off with an injury, while Hart produced two fine saves late on to keep out Erik Lamela as City sealed a third win a row.
