Does the Palace result change the look of life after Bale?

LIFE after Gareth Bale is still a talking point rather than a reality.

But was  a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace enough to show that our season is in good hands with or without the Welshman?

Spurs have a terrible record on the opening day and had only won two of their last 12 curtain raisers going into Sunday's match. 

So at least the first hurdle is cleared and points are on the board - but should Spurs fans have expected more?

We spent nearly £60m on a host of world-renowned internationals - next to Palace boss Ian Holloway's £6.5m on Dwight Gayle, who was playing in the Conference North two years ago - why did we have to rely on a penalty to beat the Premier League new boys?

Well, based on the performance, it's all down to luck really. We had some great chances that could have seen us 2-0 up by  the break and four or five by the end.

First half, the hosts defended well but we controlled the game and never looked likely to concede. 

We surrendered possession lightly a few times as our new look midfield found its passing range but nothing to worry about as the new boys looked right at home.

Roberto Soldado was sharp. He helped tee up Mousa Dembele in the first half and Gylfi Sidurdsson in the second - either chance could easily have found its way in.

The Spaniard was also composed to score the winner from the spot early in the second half - and that's our first Premier League penalty in over a season.

Nacer Chadli was unfazed filling Gareth Bale's boots on the left-hand side and Paulinho picked the ball up deep and drove us forward.

And Danny Rose looked sprightly on his return from loan at Sunderland.

Unlike the start of last season when we endured a few limp performances, this time round we arrived with intention.

Sigurdsson nearly scored a stunning first-half snapshot that Julian Speroni was at full stretch to tip over and sub Jermain Defoe should have done better when he charged through the Eagles defence only to drag his shot wide.

It hardly sent a message to the Premier League, unlike Manchester United's 4-1 win at Swansea or City's 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle last night.

But there was enough talent on display to calm the nerves and show that "life after Bale" may yet be a time of excitement, rather than cause for concern.