Tottenham beats Palace 2-0 in first game at new stadium

LONDON (AP) — Tottenham opened its delayed 1-billion pound ($1.3-billion) stadium with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday.

After an opening ceremony led by a marching band featuring fireworks exploding over the north London sky, Tottenham endured 55 nervy minutes until Son Heung-min claimed his piece in club history with the first goal. But the South Korean’s strike was deflected in by Palace defender Luka Milivojevic.

There was no doubting the identity of the second scorer, with Christian Eriksen pouncing on the loose ball after Harry Kane was tripped by Martin Kelly in the 80th minute.

Perhaps more significant than Tottenham returning to the site of its old White Hart Lane, which closed in May 2017, was Mauricio Pochettino’s side winning its first Premier League game since Feb. 10.

It ensured Tottenham is back up to third place in the chase for one of the four Champions League qualification places.