Son Heung-min reiterated the importance of Harry Kane to Tottenham after a thrilling opening victory over Premier League champions Manchester City.
Son's second-half strike ensured Nuno Espirito Santo got off to a flying start as the Portuguese boss deployed his plan to perfection in north London.
Build-up to the heavyweight clash was dominated by the unresolved future of Spurs talisman Kane.
The England captain was left out of the squad entirely after the fixture, and Espirito Santo cited a lack of fitness for his conspicuous absence.
Kane has only been involved in two training sessions after an extended post Euro 2020 break, but Spurs coped without their striker well against Pep Guardiola's side.
He continues to be linked with a move to City, who lost their fourth consecutive game at Spurs' new home ground.
Match winner Son was asked about Kane and refused to be drawn in on his teammate's future at the club.
"We are all professional," he said.
"We wanted to focus on this game. It doesn’t matter who’s involved and who’s not. Obviously Harry’s so, so important for us."
He added: "Obviously we want to start well. With the fans finally, just an incredible performance.
"Everyone worked so hard to get these three points. Man City currently are the best team in the world. I think this means a lot for us for the start of the season.
"We did just a great job. We know Man City are a really good team.
"We prepared really well, we worked hard in preseason and we showed on the pitch. We did a great job, we did amazingly."
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Spurs made light of Kane's absence during a memorable victory over champions City.
Boss Espirito Santo was again quizzed about the 28-year-old post-match, but preferred to focus on upcoming games in the Europa Conference League against Pacos de Ferreira and former club Wolves in the league.
"Look, Harry Kane is one of the best players in the world, honestly," he said.
"We are very lucky to have him. He has to get ready and help the team. We still have to go to Portugal then we think about Wolves."
And Espirito Santo was thrilled with the dedication of his team after taming Guardiola's side.
"It was good I think. The atmosphere was special off the hard work of the boy," he added.
They make any crowd proud when they work so hard.
"I'm sure that with commitment and the talent we have, we will be a good team. We are in the process of that. I am learning every day and I am very proud of them today, very proud."
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