Louis Saha scores his first goal for Tottenham in the 5-0 win over Newcastle at White Hart Lane

Louis Saha says it is a dream to be involved in the “fantasy football” that Tottenham displayed in their 5-0 victory over Newcastle on Saturday.

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The France international capped his first start for Spurs with two goals inside the opening 20 minutes, before setting up his strike partner Emmanuel Adebayor for the fifth and final goal.

And, having jumped at the chance to join Spurs on deadline day, the 33-year-old admits that he is loving minute of his new lease of life at White Hart Lane.

"It feels great, it's a dream to be part of that team, to be playing fantastic football and controlling the game from the first minute to the last," he said. "Newcastle are a really great team but they couldn’t live with us so it’s brilliant to be here.

"I never thought twice about joining Tottenham. When I got the call, I was just like 'where’s my car?'. It was as simple as that.

"I just got great excitement from that move. As a kid, you always dream of playing fantasy football, attacking football and you’ve seen that against Newcastle.

"In the first 15 minutes, it was like the quickest football that I've ever played. To be part of that is just a pleasure.

"I think the team's style suits me. I like the pace and, with so much creativity, you have to make the right move at the right time.

"You can feel that your chance is going to be there in one moment and you just have to take it. I had a few opportunities and I managed to score two goals.

"It's a great, great feeling. I'm not that young but it's just like living the dream of a young boy - to make your debut and score in your home ground, it's just amazing.

"But the Premier League and the race for the title is a marathon, not a sprint. This time we have scored five goals but tomorrow could be harder, so let's keep our feet on the ground.

"Things can be said off the pitch but the main thing is what happens on it, so the man thing is making sure that the spirit and the belief don’t drop, and to keep working hard."

Saha's new partnership with Adebayor was an instant success on Saturday, with the pair having a big hand in four of the five goals.

But, while the former Fulham, Manchester United and Everton hitman is hoping to build on that relationship, he is fully aware that he faces staunch competition from Rafael van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe.

"He [Adebayor] was immense. Physically he was superb, and so was his work-rate and desire," said Saha.

"To get assists for four goals and score one - he was involved in everything. It’s dead easy to play with him, and he's a great character to be around.

"There's a lot of competition for places but I think that’s the sign of a great side. If you want to win titles you have to understand that you have got competition.

"It's not about individual work. I am happy today and then there is going to be another player, but that is fine for me. The main thing is to win things."

Saha's surprise arrival has coincided with an uncertain time for Tottenham, with Harry Redknapp expected to be offered the vacant England job.

Spurs' new striker says that such speculation is nothing new in the ever-changing world of football – but he admits that he wants his new boss to stay at the Lane.

"It's always crazy around big players, big managers or big teams. You will always get that," said Saha. "In some ways you always have to make sure your focus is on the team, and to make sure you are working hard for the team.

"These decisions are part of life and I’m sure he [Redknapp] will make the right decision.

"I think he's been a great manager from the first day he’s been involved in football, and he’s made the right choices.

"I haven't been working with him for long but when a manager calls you and says 'I really believe in you' then you can't say anything except 'he's great!'

"He's brought players up to a different level or got the best out of players. For me, it feels like a great opportunity to work with a really talented manager.

"It's immense to work for him, he gives you so much confidence. His desire to win things, you can see that in his eyes. It's brilliant to see that. He is right up there with the best managers.

"I want him to stay here, that’s for sure. I can’t believe that any player would ask for anything else – and I would rather he’s not managing England against France in the summer!"

 

Follow me on Twitter @BenPearceSpurs

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