The game against the London side was marred by the earlier news that Spurs legend Bill Nicholson had passed away. Both teams and supporters observed an impeccable minutes silence as a tribute.
Bolton recalled their skipper Jay-Jay Okocha to the starting line up in place of the injured Ivan Campo in what was to be the only change from the side which defeated Crystal Palace at the Reebok Stadium last weekend.
Tottenham surprisingly left England striker Jermain Defoe on the bench as Jacques Santini prefered the front pairing of Freddie Kanoute and Robbie Keane.
Wanderers seemed to start the opening period as the better side and deservedly took the lead on 11 minutes through Tunisian defender Radhi Jaidi. Euro 2004 midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos was fouled by Johnnie Jackson and the resulting free kick by Bolton vice captain Gary Speed was to pose all sorts of problems for the Spurs keeper Paul Robinson and this allowed Jaidi to head home his third goal of the season.
On 20 minutes Okocha could have doubled Bolton's advantage but the Nigerian was unable to get enough power and accuracy behind his shot despite having beaten three Tottenham players in the build up.
Four minutes later Jackson could have brought Spurs back on level terms but his shot was well parried out by Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Bolton goal. Jaaskelainen will feel relieved as it was his mistake which allowed the young midfielder a second bite of the cherry.
The recalled Mali international forward Kanoute then forced Jaaskelainen into a save following a fine effort from over 20 yards but once again frustrated Spurs were finding it hard to break down the Bolton defence.
Just before half time though the home side drew level through Robbie Keane in what was a fine piece of team play. Moroccan defender Noureddine Naybet played the ball to Kanoute and a deft pass from the ex-West Ham striker sent through Irishman Keane to score the equaliser through the legs of Wanderers keeper Jaaskelainen.
Spurs had upped their tempo in the closing stages of the first period whilst Bolton seemed to take their foot off the pedal a little bit so going all square into the interval seemed like a fair assessment of the opening period.
Bolton captain Okocha was the star of the show during last year's visit to White Hart Lane and he seemed to be enjoying his visit this time around as he produced an excellent drive from all of 25 yards which was to fly just over the crossbar of Robinson.
On the hour Trotters attacker Kevin Davies produced a fine ball to pick out Greek midfielder Giannakopoulos at the far post but the little winger fired wide of the mark in what proved to be a key chance of the second half.
The away team introduced their top goalscorer Henrik Pedersen in place of Kevin Nolan whilst Tottenham also brought on fresh legs in the shape of Defoe for Jackson.
With his first touch of the ball Pedersen increased the Wanderers lead at the third time of asking after Paul Robinson had produced fine saves to deny both Okocha and Giannakopoulos.
Spurs will feel unlucky not to have rescued a point when Kanoute saw his effort cannon back off the post following a good cross from the Portuguese midfielder Pedro Mendes but Bolton held strong until referee Chris Foy blew for time.
Sam Allardyce's team continue to improve on their impressive start to the season as they occupy the European places in the Premiership. Not since the days of Lofthouse, Hartle and Parry have Bolton gone through such an impressive start to a top flight season and their lofty position in the Premiership is by no means a fluke.
Wanderers will now face a second clash against Spurs as the two sides go head to head in the Carling Cup match at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday evening.