In Norfolk, Crystal Palace got their campaign off to a flier with what appeared to be a comfortable 3-1 win over top flight returnees Norwich City.
Alan Pardew's Eagles skipped away to a two-goal lead four minutes into the second half after Wilfried Zaha converted Jason Puncheon's cross at the back post in the 39th minute before Damien Delaney fire an angled effort past John Ruddy after being found by Papa Souare's free header.
Nathan Redmond came off the bench to give the Canaries some hope when he fired a bouncing 25-yard shot past Palace debutant Alex McCarthy with just over 20 minutes left before the home side were cruelly denied an equaliser when Cameron Jerome hooked home from close range four minutes later, only to be penalised for dangerous play for his high boot, much to the chagrin of the Norwich fans.
Norwich were then aggrieved when Sebastien Bassong was pushed in the area with the Canaries feeling they deserved a penalty.
To wrap up the win, however, Palace's record signing Yohan Cabaye capped his debut for the South London outfit when he was found by a clever James McArthur pass to sweep home beyond Ruddy for a third in injury time.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Norwich City: 1 (Nathan Redmond 69')
Crystal Palace: 3 (Wilfried Zaha 39', Damien Delaney 49', Yohan Cabaye 90+4')
Carrow Road, Norwich - 27,036
Debutants: NOR - Graham Dorrans and Robbie Brady (club), Lewis Grabban (league)
CRY - Alex McCarthy, Yohan Cabaye and Connor Wickham (club)
TALKING POINTS
- Will Palace be the big improvers in 2015/16?
- Will Cabaye prove his worth at Selhurst Park?
- Are Norwich capable in this division? Can Alex Neil's magic touch continue?
WHAT'S NEXT?
Norwich travel to wounded Sunderland while Palace strive to to make it two in a row when they host London rivals Arsenal.
TWITTER INSIGHT
First day of the season . 3 three point . Buzzing https://t.co/rOkl1ezIrH
— Wilfried Zaha (@wilfriedzaha) August 8, 2015Great to start the season with a win away from home! Thanks for the amazing support #CPFC
— Alex McCarthy (@Alex_Macca23) August 8, 2015I still think refs should be able to come out and explain decisions after the game! Take nothing away from #CPFC great counterattack team
— cameron jerome (@camjerome33) August 8, 2015