spurs defender Jan Vertonghen admitted Crystal Palace were not a walkover as Roberto Soldado scored on his debut to claim a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.

Without Real Madrid target Gareth Bale, ruled out because of a foot injury, manager Andre Villas-Boas handed starts to Paulinho, Nacer Chadli and Soldado, with the latter the most impressive.

The Spain striker, signed from Valencia for a club record £26million, troubled the Palace back four throughout with his movement and he dispatched a second-half penalty to win the match after a hand ball by Dean Moxey.

Vertonghen passed a late fitness test to start in defence and was relieved to claim a win in the new-look Spurs side.

"That's what we wanted. We couldn't get a loss here," Vertonghen said. "Of course we want to do better but this was about getting the win for us. Next time we will score more goals."

Vertonghen, a Belgium international, hailed the new signings made by Villas-Boas over the summer but also praised Palace.

"The new signings are strong and Roberto scored a goal," Vertonghen said.

"We have a big and strong team. We want to play for the prizes and Champions League qualification. That's why we need a big team."

For Chadli, who made his debut appearance for Spurs following his transfer from Dutch side FC Twente, the first game of the season was more about settling into the English game.

He said: "I really enjoyed it. It was a nice game with plenty of chances.

"It's most important to get three points."