Emotional Mauricio Pochettino insisted Spurs are now “World Cup winners in facilities” after kicking off life at their new home with a win.
In front of owner Joe Lewis and chairman Daniel Levy, Son Heung-min became the first official scorer at the £1billion venue, netting in the 55th minute to help the club back into third in the race for the top four.
Pochettino said: “We are World Cup winners in facilities, the best in the world, and we need to be in the same level on the pitch.
“I feel so proud. So happy. It’s difficult to describe the emotions. It was very emotional before the game, in the build up.
“I feel so proud to see the face of Daniel Levy. He was full of happiness in his face - his energy.
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“For him, it’s one of the best moments in his life. He has built one of the best stadium in the world. To be a manager here I am a lucky man.
“I want to say thank you to him. It was very emotional, just like last game at White Hart Lane. A very special day. It’s one of the best moments in my life - it will always be in my memories and my heart.”
Christian Eriksen slotted home the second with 11 minutes left, converting from close range.
Pochettino added: “I am confident we are going to finish in the top four. Tottenham is going to be a real contender for the big things.
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“This group of players and staff and everyone in the club deserves to be in the Champions League next season.
“It’s true, lot of work to do, competing with big clubs who invest a lot of money, with different tools but we have the belief and we have our new home and our fans were amazing.”
The North Londoners packed 59,000 fans into their opening night, just short of the new ground’s 62,000 capacity.
The evening also saw a light show, and a children’s choir from nearby Gladesmore Community School, fronted by former student Lanya Matthews, providing the entertainment.
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But Crystal Palace ’s players expressed bemusement at having to stand on the pitch through it.
Defender James Tomkins said: “It wasn’t ideal with the opening ceremony. It went on a bit and it was a bit surreal.
“We tried to keep the crowd quiet for as long as possible. We’ll take some positives out of that.”
