After a week of change following defeat at home to West Brom, there was a real shot in the arm ahead of kick off as Palace announced the much welcomed signing of Christian Benteke.
It was too late for the big Belgian to make his debut at White Hart Lane but it was a lift for the Eagles after both Mile Jedinak and Yannick Bolasie left the club in the space of a couple of days.
Boss Alan Pardew opted to make just one change from the team that lost the opener last weekend and that was Joe Ledley replacing the departed Jedinak. There was still no sign of Steve Mandanda while Yohan Cabaye kept his place on bench. Former West Ham United defender James Tomkins returned from injury to also make.
The game began with a chance for each side as an effort from Christian Eriksen from outside the area was blocked. At the other end Jason Puncheon saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Michel Vorm who was replacing injured Frenchman Hugo Lloris.
Spurs began to take control as you expect from a home side with a number of corners but they were unable to convert any half chances that came their way. The first fell to new signing Vincent Janssen but his effort was too high which was a followed by a Victor Wanyama header over the bar.
The hosts began piling on the pressure in search of an opening goal with the impressive Erik Lamela having a shot blocked. Palace looked content to threaten on the break, as Townsend had a glimpse of goal but the ball ended up sailing high and wide.
After earlier clashing with Danny Rose, it seemed inevitable that Wilfried Zaha would receive a booking as he showed similar petulance to that in the opening game of the season. A part of his game that he really does need to cut out whatever the opposition throw at you.
A superb save from Wayne Hennessey suggested that competition is good with French goalkeeper Steve Mandanda waiting in the wings as he matched a great effort by Harry Kane. A brief lull in the game followed as Scott Dann and Eric Lamela required treatment as Tottenham looked to step up the pace heading into the break. Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld got onto the end of a corner but failed to hit the target as the game began to open up.
Pardew would no doubt have been pleased to get his team in at the break level as Spurs dominated the opening half. However, Palace had been solid with their defensive work, making it hard for the hosts to break them down. Very similar in fact to West Brom at Selhurst last weekend but Tottenham were simply wasteful.
One change at the break as Ledley made way for Cabaye which was clearly an effort to combat the lack of possession for the Eagles in the opening half.
The second forty-five was slow to get going which perhaps suited the visitors better as they started to take a few more risks as the game became expansive. A nice lay off by Andros Townsend, returning to one of his former clubs, found Cabaye who struck an effort cleanly but just wide.
Harry Kane was in the thick of the action after some good movement out wide but he missed another effort as his hangover from the European Championships continued.
Palace were forcing their way into the game the longer the second half went one. Cabaye was having an effect and found enough space for another shot which went over the bar. A corner shortly after was wasted but there was a real feeling the visitors had a chance to return from North London with a point or three.
With new England boss Sam Allardyce watching from the stands, Scott Dann was performing well but was duped into receiving a yellow card after impeding Spurs striker Janssen.
Probably the best chance of the half fell to Duchman Janssen. He found himself clean through but somehow managed to put the chance wide of the goal. With the goal scoring record that encouraged Spurs to sign him, many would have bet their house on him hitting the back of the net.
Another that was exerting himself on the game the longer it went on was Jason Puncheon after a quiet first half from the former Saints player, playing a deeper role. The introduction of Cabaye provided him with a little more freedom and he was showing it.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino saw the game going stale so introduced England midfielder Dele Alli who almost immediately found himself on the score sheet but his effort was off target with Wayne Hennessey at full stretch. It was only a matter of time as Spurs turned the screw, and it was new addition Victor Wanyama that gave them the lead.
Damien Delaney was being treated for an injury after Tottenham were awarded a corner. It looked like he would struggle to return so Pardew made the decision to bring on both James Tomkins and Jordon Mutch. That proved the difference on the day as Spurs took a quick corner which Wanyama met well to head home. Delaney was infuriated on the touchline as one of the golden rules had been broken. NEVER make a substitution before defending a corner. The double substitution caused confusion and the Palace back line were simply not organised to defend the quickly taken corner.
Palace were almost level immediately. A corner met by Joel Ward at the near post headed just wide.
As the game headed into the final minutes, it became end to end as Palace looked desperately for an equaliser but it just was not to be. The Eagles start the season with two defeats and no goals but this was a spirited hard working performance without reward and certainly an improvement on opening weekend.
Welcome to South London Christian Benteke.
