Spurs’ record singing Robert Soldado gave his new club an opening day win with a second half penalty as the White Hart Lane club welcomed Crystal Palace to the Premier League with a 1-0 defeat.

Soldado converted the spot kick – won by Aaron Lennon – in the 50^th minute and it was enough to see Spurs over the line for the three points as, despite some late chances for Ian Holloway’s Palace side.

Villas Boas handed league debuts to three players – Soldado, Paulinho and Nacer Chadli – while Gareth Bale did not take part due to a foot injury.