Saha hails Toffees teammates

Saha hails Toffees teammates

Published Feb. 6, 2011 11:10 a.m. ET

Everton's four-goal hero Louis Saha deflected praise after his starring role in this afternoon's stunning 5-3 win over Blackpool.

The striker underlined his recent return to form by taking his tally to eight in his last six games as the Toffees came from 3-2 down to win a Barclays Premier League thriller at Goodison Park.

Having never even scored a hat-trick in England's top flight before, Saha's performance was an obvious career highlight but the 32-year-old preferred to focus on the performance of the team.

The Frenchman said: "It is always a nice feeling when you are scoring goals and winning is the main thing about being a footballer.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I am glad today we got the result we deserved.

"I feel very good. The confidence in the camp is really good - it helps you when you get lads who are fully confident."

Saha felt he should have had five but had another disallowed after referee Kevin Friend blew for a foul on Seamus Coleman seconds earlier.

Saha said: "The referee, once he blew he couldn't come back. It is a shame because it is a rule where it could be advantage - but the main thing is to get three points."

Former Fulham and Manchester United striker Saha opened the scoring in the 20th minute but Ian Evatt levelled with a shot that hit a post and appeared to cross the line before Alex Baptiste made doubly sure.

After being frustrated by Friend, Saha did add another early in the second half but Blackpool roared back in characteristic fashion through full debutant Jason Puncheon and captain Charlie Adam.

Saha evened the scores once again and then secured the win after a fine Jermaine Beckford volley put Everton back in front.

Everton manager David Moyes said: "Where do you start with Louis? It was just a top, top performance.

"Anybody who has played against him, with him or managed him will tell you he has that ability.

"That is why he has been involved with France teams and at World Cups. He has that quality.

"He has probably not shown it as often as he can do but today's performance was right up there with the best."

Everton's victory was only their third in 15 Premier League games.

Moyes added: "If we hadn't won it it would have been completely wrong. We were the better team, had the chances.

"You probably always need to score three goals to beat Blackpool and we needed four certainly, and thankfully we got a fifth too."

Blackpool remain one of the most entertaining teams in the competition but luck appears to have deserted them after a run of just one win in eight outings.

Manager Ian Holloway said: "Words fail me really. The character of the lads was outstanding, that was a tough game.

"We had a bit of luck first half really, we all know that. It should have been a goal for Everton. He blew the whistle far too early.

"That lifted us going in at half-time, I must admit. "I felt quite positive coming out for the second half but, suddenly, 2-1.

"I thought that would have knocked us like skittles but I think the lads again showed great character.

"We got 3-2 up and I tried to do what we did against Liverpool - played five at the back and four across midfield to try to block things up.

"To let three goals in with that formation at that time of the game is absolutely devastating after what has happened in previous games."

share