Sakho: Goals are why I'm here!

Diafra Sakho continues to make a fast start in Claret and Blue, after his sumptuous lob against Liverpool on Saturday made it three goals in three West Ham United starts for the former Metz man.

As the Hammers flew out of the blocks at the Boleyn Ground, Sakho collected from Mark Noble on the right-edge of the box and beat Reds 'keeper Simon Mignolet all ends up with an inch-perfect dink into the opposite corner.

With strike partner Enner Valencia stationed at the far post, not all were convinced of Sakho's intentions, but the 24-year-old insisted that his goal was as deliberate as it was brilliant.

"I saw the 'keeper off his line, at the near post, and I only had one thing in mind," he told West Ham TV. "I tried it and it came off. I wasn't sure if it was going to go in or not, but thankfully it's ended up in the net. I'm pleased, pleased for me and for the team.

"I've dreamed of scoring a goal as good as that, particularly here at the Boleyn Ground, but whether it be Liverpool or another club, a goal is a goal. I've not stopped receiving messages from my mates, so to know that they're pleased for me, makes me happy too."

While goals will always be the bottom line for the Senegal forward, the athletic and tireless Sakho is determined to bring more than just firepower to the Hammers party.

"Goals are why I'm here and that's why West Ham signed me. But beyond that I'll try to help the team, as much as I possibly can. And even if I don't score, as long as I'm useful, that's the important thing. I work every day in training to try to be as effective as possible."

Key to his contribution will likely be his burgeoning partnership with Valencia, with the duo already showing signs of a healthy understanding. Having shared the goals at Hull City, West Ham's front two then gave Liverpool the run-around and Sakho believes they will only get better as the games roll on.

He continued: "We've trained together for a short while now. Enner's a footballer who likes to get it down and play, and me, I like to come deep. I try to position myself in relation to him and vice versa. I hope that's going to continue to serve the Club well this season.

"We certainly hope [to improve] and we're working every day in training for that. We're not going to relax and we'll carry on working hard at it, because it's only the beginning of the season and there will be plenty of matches to play together."

As for Saturday's scintillating performance and result, West Ham's new No15 felt the Hammers were good value for the three points and hopes the victory is a sign of exciting things to come.

"We're delighted, we worked all week long for that, to give [a performance] at home," he added. "We've done that on Saturday and we're pleased.

"We deserved it. On the whole, we lived up to manager's expectations and those of the staff. And if we continue to play like that, work together, united as a group, we'll do good things in the Premier League."