Advertisement
TBT: Day Victor Wanyama scored his first goal for Tottenham Hotspur
20th August, 2026 12:11 PM
Victor Wanyama marked his first Premier League appearance at Tottenham’s home ground with a decisive late goal as Spurs defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 on August 20, 2016.
The midfielder, who had joined Tottenham from Southampton during the summer, settled the contest in the 82nd minute by heading the ball into the net following a knockdown from Harry Kane.
Tottenham had dominated much of the match but struggled to turn their opportunities into goals. Vincent Janssen, making his first full Premier League start for the club, came closest earlier in the second half when he found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. However, the Dutch forward sent his effort wide.
Palace created very little going forward. Jason Puncheon tested Michel Vorm early on, but the Tottenham goalkeeper dealt comfortably with the attempt. Connor Wickham also failed to seriously trouble the hosts’ defence.
The visitors had the first meaningful chance after only two minutes. Lee Chung-yong picked out Puncheon inside the penalty area, but his shot went directly at Vorm, who had been brought into the starting lineup after Hugo Lloris suffered an injury.
Tottenham gradually took control and spent much of the opening half camped around the Palace penalty area. Andros Townsend, facing his former club, produced one of Palace’s few other attempts before the interval with a long-range effort.
Spurs should have gone ahead when Toby Alderweireld was left unmarked from an Erik Lamela corner in the 12th minute, but his header was aimed straight at Hennessey. Kane then came close from distance, sending a shot narrowly beyond the far post.
Wanyama also went close with another header before halftime, offering an early indication of the role he would eventually play in deciding the match.
Janssen had another major opportunity in the 69th minute. The striker had been a constant problem for Palace’s defence, but after beating the offside trap and getting clear of Hennessey, he could only shoot wide of the right post.
Palace were encouraged by Tottenham’s failure to take their chances and almost punished them. Substitute Yohan Cabaye was presented with an opportunity after being picked out by Townsend, but he was unable to convert from close range.
With only eight minutes remaining, Tottenham finally broke the deadlock. Kane directed Lamela’s corner towards the danger area, and Wanyama reacted quickly inside the six-yard box to head the ball home and give Spurs their first Premier League victory of the campaign.
Palace were unable to find a response, leaving Alan Pardew’s team frustrated after holding out for most of the afternoon.
Player ratings
Tottenham: Vorm 7, Walker 8, Alderweireld 7, Vertonghen 7, Rose 7, Dier 6, Wanyama 7, Lamela 7, Eriksen 6, Janssen 8, Kane 7.
Crystal Palace: Hennessey 7, Ward 7, Dann 6, Delaney 6, Souare 7, Puncheon 6, Ledley 7, Townsend 7, Lee 6, Zaha 8, Wickham 6.
Man of the Match: Kyle Walker.
Wanyama goes back to Tottenham
Recently, Victor Wanyama returned to his former club and caught up with current Tottenham Hotspur players ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.
In a statement shared on his X page on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the ex-Kenyan international, who remains a fan favourite at North London following his impactful spell at the club, shared photos from his visit to the club’s training base and his reunion with the Spurs squad as he watched them train from the sidelines.
He also expressed confidence in the current squad under the tutelage of manager Roberto De Zerbi. “It was a great day catching up over lunch ahead of the EPL fixture. Watched the lads’ train and had an insightful discussion between the former and current players on what to expect this season,” Wanyama shared.
“I have a good feeling we have a solid team. “Come on, you Spurs #COYS,” he added.
The combative midfielder announced his retirement from football in April 2026, as he announced his transition into coaching.
