Spurs had been ahead in the 15th minute through Gareth Bale's free-kick and had chances to add to their lead before Adebayor levelled. Fabregas' strike came with 10 minutes remaining, and Adebayor also found the top corner in stoppage time, leaving Spurs still with just one Premier League victory this season. It was a cruel blow for Jol, who has appeared undermined by his board this season after the infamous meeting with Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.

Spurs have not beaten Arsenal since 1999, during George Graham's reign at White Hart Lane, and there is a perception Jol struggles against the "big four". It certainly looked like business as usual when Paul Robinson was required to tip over Adebayor's volley from 25 yards in the early stages. But Dimitar Berbatov was offering a threat for the hosts and he looped a header over the crossbar before getting fouled in the lead up to Bale's opener. Bale's free-kicks at the start of last season helped establish him as one of the brightest talents around, and his set-piece in the 15th minute was an example of his accuracy.

He curled the effort behind Arsenal's wall and inside Manuel Almunia's near post, leaving the Spaniard fuming.

The 18-year-old, with two goals in his first three Spurs matches, was playing on the left of midfield to give Jol's side balance . . . but he was also needed to defend as Arsenal attempted to drag themselves level. Adebayor immediately threatened at the other end after the opener, with Robinson required to turn his volley wide. The England goalkeeper was needed again in the 25th minute when Fabregas broke from the centre of midfield, with Alexander Hleb eventually having the shot and Robin van Persie firing the rebound across the face of goal. Abou Diaby then had an effort from long distance on the half-hour mark, and got even closer two minutes later when Hleb found him free overlapping. Diaby beat Robinson with his powerful effort but it smacked off the crossbar to safety.

With both sides attacking, possession switched frequently and tackles flew in, Jermaine Jenas picked up a yellow card for one of them on Van Persie. Pascal Chimbonda was fouled in stoppage time but was booked himself for urging referee Mark Clattenburg to show his opponent a yellow card.

As expected, Spurs were forced to defend early in the second half, although Berbatov should have added a second goal in the 51st minute.

Steed Malbranque slipped the Bulgaria striker through and he rounded Almunia but could not do the same to Kolo Toure, who was the last defender.

Adebayor fired over the crossbar in Arsenal's next move after Bacary Sagna raced down the right and cut the ball back. The Togo striker then tried to take it around Robinson but the goalkeeper timed his dive to perfection.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger then brought Tomas Rosicky on for Diaby to give his side another dimension.

Yet Spurs were still threatening a second goal, with Younes Kaboul heading over and Tom Huddlestone cracking a trademark volley wide from Chimbonda's cross.

Jol has been frustrated with Spurs' defending from set-pieces this season and a free-kick was their undoing again, with Arsenal levelling in the 65th minute.

Adebayor nipped ahead of Robinson to meet Fabregas's free-kick after Malbranque had fouled Mathieu Flamini.

Spurs' response was to bring on Aaron Lennon for his first appearance since knee surgery in the summer.

Robbie Keane raced through and had an effort saved by Almunia, although the linesman had initially flagged before play was allowed to continue.

Berbatov had two bites at Jenas' corner but Gael Clichy cleared off the line. Fabregas then got his stunning goal, receiving the pass from Rosicky before taking aim from 30 yards and bending into the top corner with the outside of his boot.

Darren Bent came on and was sent through but the striker missed his kick and Adebayor's volley soon followed to add to Spurs' misery.