'I'm not going after goals' - Newcastle striker Ba

Aug 18, 2012 9:10:00 PM

The Senegalese frontman opened his account for the new campaign in the Magpies' opening day win, but insists results for the club come before his own personal achievements

Newcastle striker Demba Ba was pleased to be on the scoresheet in the 2-1 win over Tottenham but says that goals for himself are secondary to the team's success.

Ba curled in a fine opener 10 minutes into the second half, and although Jermain Defoe levelled for Spurs, the hosts took maximum points thanks to Hatem Ben Arfa's late penalty.

It was Ba's first Premier League goal since February, but he says that as long as the team is winning, he doesn't care who is finding the back of the net.

"As I always said, I'm not going after goals," he told ESPN after the game.

"The more I play well, the more the team wins and I feel happy about it. But it was the first goal of the season for me and I'm very happy.

"It was a good win in our first game to get our first three points. It's always important to have a good start and always good to start with a victory."

His team-mate Jonas Gutierrez was also happy to secure a win in the opening game, ahead of what he predicts will be a busy campaign.

"Tottenham have a really good team and I'm really happy with what we did today," said the Argentine winger.

"It was a hard game for both teams. I think whoever scored first would have a big opportunity to win three points. We scored first, so it was easier for us.

"We had to keep going because it's going to be a long, hard season. We have the Europa League as well and we have to be ready for all the games."

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