Wayne Hennessey’s heroics proved nothing valuable as new signing, Victor Wanyama’s header in the 83rd minute gave Tottenham Hot Spurs the all deserved three points at White Hart Lane.
Spurs had not tasted triumph since the 4-0 win over Stoke City in April at the bet365 Stadium – the same ground where Palace last won on their travels in the league last December.
Spurs had the better of the chances in a tight game with Vincent Janssen shooting wide after being played through by sub Dele Alli.
Palace’s best chance fell to Yohan Cabaye but the Frenchman blasted over from 12 yards. Alan Pardew’s side have now lost their opening two games.
Toby Alderweireld should have done better with a free header from eight yards, nodding straight at the Eagles’ No 1, before Christian Eriksen – making his 100th Premier League appearance – wasted a golden opportunity to gift Harry Kane a one-to-one.
Another Tottenham chance went begging when Wanyama nodded over from a corner, but their best opening came in the 27th minute as Janssen was twice denied from close range by the scrambling Hennessey, having profited from the rebound of Kane’s deflected strike.
Kane then flashed wide of the post late in a half in which Palace were lucky to survive having been second best for long periods.
England forward Kane had the first notable opportunity of the second period but only succeeded in steering Eric Dier’s measured cross narrowly wide.
Palace went close to breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute as substitute Yohan Cabaye’s first-time effort was deflected over.
Janssen then spectacularly missed after being sent through on goal, this time beating Hennessey but scuffing his shot way off target.
Kane was in search of a 50th Premier League goal in his 88th appearance and although the milestone ultimately evaded him, it was his header that helped earn the three points.