Helps earn Palace victory

happier with the way we got it. We played a very good game, dominated all the game. They didn’t have any shots on target or create any chances.”

Watford won only five of their final 25 games last season and Gracia was pleased to give the club’s home supporters something to cheer.

“We have to do it, need to start well, with the support of our fans it is easier,” he added.

Bournemouth were also first day winners as they proved too good for Cardiff City as goals from Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson gave them the three points with a 2-0 triumph.

Wilson also missed a penalty in the clash with promoted Cardiff and manager Eddie Howe said: “We kept a clean sheet which we didn’t do much last season which was good.

“We needed this win after a poor start last year and it’s our first opening day win in the Premier League.”

Neil Warnock, the Cardiff manager, looked to take the positives from his side’s first game in the top flight in four years and is confident there is more to come.

“I thought we did alright, we got better as the game went on. On another day we could have got a result but it wasn’t to be,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to the season and a few lads were a bit nervous but once that rubbed off, it was okay.”

Southampton and Burnley begin their Premier League campaigns today when they meet at the St Mary’s Stadium.