EPL Week 1: Tottenham Hotspur beat new boys Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park

Roberto Soldado of Tottenham Hotspur (C) celebrates scoring from the penalty spot with team mates Kyle Walker, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Paulinho during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on August 18, 2013 in London, England.

Tottenham Hotspur managed to eke out a close 1-0 victory against new boys Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to kick off their EPL campaign in the best possible way.

Tottenham were without the services of talisman Gareth Bale, who is expected to make his return in the league game against Arsenal if he does stay with the club. The first half saw both teams exchange possession, but neither team managed to threaten either goalkeeper despite dominating the game for short periods.

Gylfi Sigurðsson had the best chance of the half in the 35th minute, but it was well saved by Crystal Palace’s Argentine custodian Julian Speroni. Crystal Palace, to their credit, did not allow Spurs any space and ensured that the scoreline remained 0-0 at the end of the first half.

The second half got off to a lively start at Tottenham looked to score the elusive goal. Their prayers were answered in the 50th minute as Crystal Palace defender Dean Moxey was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area, resulting in a penalty.

Roberto Soldado, who was recently purchased by Spurs for £26 million, made no mistake as he calmly slotted the ball in the bottom right corner as the keeper dived the wrong way.

The game picked up tempo after the first goal as both teams tried to counter-attack. Tottenham enjoyed the best chances of the game, as Sidgursson and Defoe were unable to convert from great positions.

Crystal Palace, too, had a few chances, but Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris was equal to the task. The Frenchman made a tremendous double save in the 89th minute off Crystal Palace’s no.8 Kagisho Dikgacoi to ensure that his team ended the game with all three points.

After a couple of nervy moments in injury time, Spurs held on for the win, while Crystal Palace supporters would feel that their team deserved at least a point from the game.