The Reds approached the final day at Old Trafford needing a victory to make sure of the championship after a 0-0 draw at Brian Kidd's Blackburn Rovers in midweek.
With second-placed Arsenal at home to Aston Villa, there looked like being a real twist to the race when Spurs took the lead with a looping effort from Les Ferdinand, potentially handing their local rivals the trophy.
However, David Beckham equalised before half-time with a wicked finish past Ian Walker, three minutes before half-time, to spark hopes of another famous comeback.
Andy Cole came on for Teddy Sheringham at half-time and soon found himself through on goal, latching on to a long ball by Gary Neville.