The loss of Italian playmaker Paolo Di Canio and influential midfielder Michael Carrick on the eve of the game with hamstring injuries only added to the disappointment of Fredi Kanoute's continued absence with a similar problem - subsequently leaving the Hammers much weaker in attack and in desperate need of creative inspiration.
Despite the two sides only being separated by Les Ferdinand's 49th minute winner, the true reality was that the winning margin could have been greater after Spurs hit the woodwork four times and created problems with their movement and swift passing.
The Hammers boss couldn't fault the effort of his troops as they battled bravely to satisfy the biggest crowd at Upton Park since October 1984 following the opening of the lower tier in the Dr Martens Stand but, with first choice players missing and several of the starting line-up still adjusting to the pace of the Premiership after long periods out of the first team, it was always going to be an uphill task against Glenn Hoddle's side.
Said Roeder afterwards: "It was a disappointing afternoon and very frustrating for us.
"It was much more difficult to go to battle against a very good Tottenham team at the moment with four key players missing.
"We don't think that Michael Carrick and Paolo Di Canio's injuries are too serious but they could still be out for two weeks and miss the next couple of games, which would be a huge blow for us."
Apart from the energetic and determined display of Joe Cole and the solid and commanding debut of goalkeeper David James, there wasn't much to please the Hammers chief, although the fact that his team didn't capitulate defensively offered some source of comfort.
"I was much more encouraged by the doggedness of our defending today," he said.
"Tottenham's fluid movement in midfield caused us problems, as it did to Arsenal last week in a game that they deserved to win.
"Glenn Hoddle has built an excellent side and they have caused problems for every team they have played this season."
The lack of attacking prowess displayed by the hosts also proved Roeder's wisdom in slowly introducing young striker Jermain Defoe to the fray. The 19-year-old starlet was full of running but is in need of more gradual experience before having to deal with the increased responsibilities of a 90-minute Premiership appearance.
"It was always going to be difficult for us without our two first choice strikers and it is obvious that we will miss players like Paolo and Fredi.
"We had Jermain Defoe making his first Premiership start - there are people saying he should be starting week in, week out, but I'm still certain that bringing him on slowly is the right way to do it. We can't put too much pressure on him.
"Paul Kitson worked very hard but the service to them wasn't very good and it was always going to be difficult to create many chances."
On the few occasions that Hammers did get close to troubling Neil Sullivan, Joe Cole was invariably involved and the young midfielder earned praise from his manager for a courageous display in his first start since September 15 after recovering from the foot injury that has plagued him for so long.
"Joe did very well and it's good to see that he's coming back to somewhere near the Joe Cole we know who can make things happen and win matches," said Roeder.
There wasn't much to smile about for our other returning midfielder Steve Lomas, who was substituted early in the second half - although not because of tiredness or a recurrence of his old injury.
Glenn revealed: "It looks as though Steve Lomas has broken a toe, which is likely to rule him out for around six weeks. We will wait to see the results of his x-ray, but it doesn't look promising.
"I hope we have some better news on the injury front by next Saturday but we will just have to take it on a daily basis and assess the situation towards the end of the week."