Andriy Yarmolenko and Artem Milevskiy both failed to test English goalkeeper Joe Hart when well-placed, a failing that would become a feature of Ukraine's play in the match.
Ramos achieved great things at Sevilla with an attacking philosophy that sits well with White Hart Lane traditions - and a successful Spurs playing the sort of football the club is famous for is a good day for the game in this country.
The lead only last nine minutes, though, as France his back with a well-worked goal that finished when Nasri fired a low right-foot shot beyond Hart's reach.
The first shot on target took nearly half an hour to materialise when Clarets striker Nugent let a Wade Elliott pass roll across him before letting fly with a well-struck shot that was saved by Joe Hart.
Reading did threaten when Long headed John Oster's free-kick wide and Matejovsky fired in a bouncing shot that City keeper Joe Hart did well to push away.
One common theory has it that even if Mr Bradley does well in small, rich, well-educated New Hampshire, he will follow the path of other ideas-politicians, such as Gary Hart and Paul Tsongas, and be crucified once the race becomes more televisual.
Tottenham now sit eight points behind United in fifth place having played a game more but had the better chances of a hard-fought encounter that started well but descended into a scrappy affair in front of a full house at White Hart Lane.