Sylvain Distin's error set Tottenham on the way to a win that puts them within a point of third-placed Liverpool. Distin tried to let Paul Stalteri's pass run out of play but instead Aaron Lennon skipped past him and fed Mido who slotted home with ease.
Robbie Keane added a second goal late on when he latched on to Mido's flick and hammered his shot past David James.
Manchester City were second-best throughout and Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson did not make a single save.
Stuart Pearce's side have picked up only one point since Christmas and they showed few signs of improving that tally in the early stages.
They struggled to get the ball out of their half at times, and their passing and movement was completely out of sorts.
Spurs on the other hand were full of running, with Lennon in particular trying to beat Ben Thatcher at every opportunity, and Mido looking lively up front.
Jermaine Jenas and Michael Carrick took full control of the midfield, and their prompting meant Lennon and Michael Brown saw plenty of the ball on either flank.
But for all their possession, Tottenham were unable to get behind the City defence - until Distin's horrific mistake gifted them the lead just after the half-hour mark.
Distin thought Stalteri's over-hit through-ball would cross the byline - only for Lennon to reach it, draw James and set up Mido who found the net despite the best efforts of Richard Dunne.
It was no less than Spurs deserved - and they almost extended their lead soon after.
More enterprising play from Lennon won him space to send in a cross that eventually reached Keane. He had time to bring the ball down at the far post but could not find the target.
City had barely threatened during the first 45 minutes and things did not improve for them after the restart.
Trevor Sinclair had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down for a handball by Anthony Gardner and substitute Bradley Wright-Phillips shot narrowly wide - but the home side did not manage a shot on target.
And Tottenham made certain of the three points when Mido headed on a Robinson goal-kick for Keane to smash the ball past James with seven minutes left.
This was their third victory in four games and leaves them six points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal as the race for a Champions League spot hots up.
Meanwhile, Pearce will be glad that the open transfer window will allow him to strengthen his side - who badly need a shot in the arm on this showing.
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce:
"For some unknown reason we are showing a lack of confidence at the moment. "If we give sides like Tottenham goals like we did with their first one then we are going to have problems.
"But I have had a chat with the boys and told them there is no need for them to be without confidence. That is obviously a problem for me to solve."
Tottenham manager Martin Jol:
"It was a team effort. Edgar Davids, Teemu Tainio and Ledley King were out injured but we showed it is all about our squad. "We played well in the first half but needed a second goal because we did not kill them off, and Robbie Keane got it.
"I am delighted. To have 40 points in the first week of January is a dream when you start the season."
Man City: James, Onuoha (Sommeil 54), Dunne, Distin, Thatcher, Sinclair, Barton, Jihai, Ireland (Croft 70), Cole, Vassell (Wright-Phillips 70).
Subs Not Used: Fowler, Jordan.
Booked: Sinclair, Thatcher.
Tottenham: Robinson, Stalteri, Gardner, Dawson, Lee (Pamarot 74), Lennon (Defoe 84), Carrick, Jenas, Brown, Keane, Mido (Rasiak 89).
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Pedro Mendes.
Booked: Carrick, Brown.
Goals: Mido 31, Keane 83.
Att: 40,808
Ref: A Wiley (Staffordshire).
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Excellent result - Dawson was absolutely fantastic
