LONDON -- Victor Wanyama has said he feels as though he has been at Tottenham "a very long time" after scoring on his home debut in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Wanyama joined Spurs from Southampton in an £11 million deal in June and he has started the club's opening two Premier League matches in the absence of the suspended Mousa Dembele.
Mauricio Pochettino had previously signed Wanyama for Saints and the Kenya international, 24, says the Spurs manager and his teammates had made it easy for him to settle in North London.
"I know the manager and how he works and what he wants. That has made it easy for me coming here because he underlines what he wants in games so that has been good," Wanyama told reporters after Saturday's victory.
"The lads have been great to me. It feels like I've been here for a very long time. Everyone has been very happy to help so it's been very easy for me to settle in.
"I have been given a chance. That is what we are training for every day -- to get a chance, and it is important to do hard work in training. I am happy to have been given a chance, and so far I think it has been good."
Wanyama's close-range header in the 82nd minute was his first goal in 55 Premier League appearances, but the former Celtic player was given licence to get forward against the Eagles while midfield partner Eric Dier covered.
"It is always important to know when you go up front you might always get a chance," he said.
"Today, I think I sniffed a goal and I got a good ball from [Harry] Kane. It is very important to get my goal, especially on my debut. To do it in front of our fans was amazing and hopefully I can build from this.
"I feel good. It was important today to get the three points and we needed to dig deep."