Inter, needing just a draw to reach the knockout rounds at Tottenham’s expense, were holding firm until Eriksen smashed home his side’s winner in the 80th minute.
The win meant Tottenham and Inter both have seven points in Group B but Tottenham leapfrogged the Italians into second place by virtue of their head-to-head record.
Tottenham still have it all to do, though, as only a victory against group winners Barcelona in their last match next month will guarantee them a third appearance in the knockout rounds.
Inter finish at home to bottom club PSV.
Tottenham XI: Lloris, Aurier, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Davies, Lucas Moura, Sissoko, Winks, Lamela, Alli, Kane.
Subs: Gazzaniga, Rose, Son, Dier, Walker-Peters, Llorente, Eriksen.
Inter Milan XI: Handanovic, D’Ambrosio, de Vrij, Skriniar, Asamoah, Vecino, Brozovic, Politano, Nainggolan, Perisic, Icardi.
Subs: Padelli, Martinez, Balde, Ranocchia, Valero, Miranda, Candreva.
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir