Tottenham Hotspur moved up to third in the Premier League when they opened their new stadium with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had to be patient to make their bow at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after the estimated £1-billion project suffered a string of delays, but they immediately made themselves at home to end a five-game winless run in the league.
After a frustrating first half – which saw the Eagles comfortably keep the hosts at bay – Son Heung-min gave the home supporters something to cheer in the 55th minute, finding the bottom corner after a heavy deflection off Luka Milivojevic.
Christian Eriksen then added a deserved second 10 minutes from time as Spurs moved one point above Arsenal, who do have a game in hand over Pochettino’s men.
Both sides enjoyed fine chances inside the opening 20 minutes. Jeffrey Schlupp blazed over after breaking the offside trap early on, while Eriksen’s curled effort from 15 yards was well kept out by Vicente Guaita to his right.
The Palace goalkeeper almost gifted Spurs the lead nine minutes before the interval, though, when he fumbled Son’s powerful drive just past the post.
Danny Rose then broke clean through. but his attempted pass to Harry Kane was cut out, while the latter headed narrowly wide from a corner.
Michy Batshuayi flashed an effort wide of Hugo Lloris’ left-hand post in the opening stages of the second period before Son netted his historic goal.
The South Korean cut inside from the right and unleashed a left-foot drive, which was diverted into the bottom corner by the outstretched leg of Milivojevic, who had been dispossessed earlier in the move.
Eriksen made sure of the points in the 80th minute, tucking home from six yards after a surging run from Kane to ensure that Spurs christened their new home in style.
What does it mean? Pochettino’s side back on track
Tottenham’s title bid came to a crashing halt in the last few weeks after a torrid run of form, which saw them lose four of their last five games. A welcome return to winning ways at their stunning new stadium, though, ensures that they remain firmly in the mix for a Champions League qualification place. Palace, meanwhile, remain eight points above the drop zone, and know one win in their final six games will likely be enough to secure their Premier League status for another season.
Son lights up new home
There can be few more deserving players to score such a landmark goal. The universally popular South Korean was in typically effervescent mood and got his side up and running at their new stadium with his 12th league goal of the campaign.
Alli’s struggles continue
The England international has now scored just once in his last seven Premier League games and cut a frustrated figure. He scarcely posed a goal threat and might consider himself lucky to have avoided a red card after an ugly challenge on Milivojevic in the first half.
What’s next?
Tottenham host Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, while Palace travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
