The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was in upbeat mood from the moment Son Heung-min received a rapturous reception on his first return to the club since signing for Los Angeles FC in the summer.
An emotional Son, who scored 173 goals in 454 games and made his farewell as captain in the Europa League victory against Manchester United in Bilbao, addressed the fans who idolised him before kick-off.
And it was the perfect platform for Spurs to show positive intent in an atmosphere stripped of the toxicity that has been in evidence here this season.
Richarlison should have opened the scoring in the opening moments, but he was denied by a brilliant reaction save from Slavia keeper Jindrich Stanek, although the Brazilian should have given him no chance.
Opposite number Guglielmo Vicario was up the task when Slavia threatened, and even though there was a hint of farce about the opener from Zima’s own goal, it was no more than Spurs deserved.
Spurs could have added to their tally but were denied by Stanek, especially when he made a superb double save from substitutes Mathys Tel and Pape Sarr.
This was exactly what Frank and Spurs needed to continue the momentum from the draw at Newcastle United, when they twice came from behind to earn a draw, then the 2-0 win against Brentford.
The only sour note on Spurs’ night was a yellow card for key defender Micky van de Ven which rules him out of their next Champions League game at home to Borussia Dortmund.
They will go into their two remaining league-stage games hoping to secure a top-eight finish and advance into the last 16 without having to enter the play-off round. With Wednesday’s fixtures to be played, they sit ninth but just a point behind five teams tied on 12 points.
Slavia meanwhile have just three points and may need to win both remaining games, starting with Barcelona, to have a chance of advancing.
