Nobody wants a match report after a game like that – it’s all written in our heads.
Only one moment mattered of course and that came at the very death when Angelo Ogbonna headed a perfect goal across Simon Mingolet to sort out the Scousers for the THIRD time this season.
But it was what led to it that was so incredibly important with Dimi Payet placing the cross to absolute perfection and changing the game in a second.
This is why West Ham will sort out an amazing deal for the man because although he’s not been at his best for the past four games this is what he can do – win a game in a moment.
His set pieces are to die for and after hitting a post in the first half this was his contribution in the final seconds of extra time – he really is something else.
Tonight is not for long essays. It’s a night to party and realise that we support the best West Ham team we’ve seen in many many years.
Are we really on our way to Wembley? Yes I believe we are with a team that makes us prouder and prouder. Yes, there are the days like Saturday but this team bounces back fast and that’s something we haven’t seen in years.
One last word: It was hard not to feel sorry for Angelo Ogbonna as he tried to express his feelings. His English vocabulary was very limited but his face spoke more than a million words.
We weren’t at our best but that’s not what it’s about in the FA Cup – glory awaits!
A big pat on the back for Darren Randolph,top keeper who will keep Adrian on his toes.Oggie will get a massive confidence boost from his performance and stunning finnish and Payet delivers,Antonio gets a stylish volley then works his socks off.Hope the OS has nights like this-magic.
Praise goes to Oggy, but have to admit that our other cbs Reid (and then Collins) didn’t play too well. We were lucky not to concede 3-4 goals (Thanks, Benteke). Hope the injuries are not too bad. COYI!
I’m not a particular fan of Obgonna, but have to say he was superb, even without scoring the goal. Becoming a fan now. All those doom merchants predicting Joey O’Brien would be the archtiect of our downfall got it wrong big time. He even hit the post! Sure, he IS a bit lightweight – he is our 2nd reserve right back, afterall – but puts in a shift and uses his experience well. Shame he was injurred. Antonio is becoming a regular little hero! Even played rightback; no hissy-fit, just grafting for the team. He’s a joy to watch and a breath of fresh air. Becoming one of my favourite players. V deserved Man-of-Match……
Meanwhile, we stuffed Liverpool…in the last minute. Sweet revenge for 2006…
What a great ime to be a Hammers fan!
COYI
Randolph kept us in this over the two games. Antonio was fantsstic tonight, Valencia never stopped running and should’ve had a stonewall penalty. We’re a different team with Kouyate’s box to box energy.
Obiang is so underrated, great performance his only real mistake was the foul on Benteke that led to the free kick. Ogbonna is quality always looks comfortable on the ball and what a time to get your 1st goal. Even Moses put in a shift when he came on. Payet not a great performance by his standards but his set pieces can be deadly.
Well done to JOB as well, 1st start in 6 months and barely put a foot wrong.
Ref was poor.
If that was our last FA Cup tie at The Boleyn then what a way to finally get a win over these in this great old competition.
Oggy makes less mistake of all our defenders a new now has adapted to the premier,
Reid is still not comfortable on the ball Ginge bless his heart will always have a bad 2 minutes and that is what stops him being a regular,
Antonio is the signing of the season bet he could even play in Goal,
Noble grew as the game went on but again bad passes in the 90 minutes
Obiang was the best midfielder and now looks like a better option with Kouyate,just hope he is ok and not concussion,
We still look a better side with a CF and Payet plays better with a foil,
But great night for all even non Hammers THATS ENTERTAINMENT
Well said!
At the end of the day we won so I’m so incredibly
Bloody happy but (and I might get nailed here) thought I’d make some observations.
We became long ball United again tonight, there was no real quality/support in the midfield.
Ogbonna – winning goal aside, he needs to be a staple first team player. Great performance.
Obiang – yea he made mistakes but he needs more game time. Some real Postives from him and again I think he should be first team….how song gets in front is beyond me.
Carroll – I’m so confused by this man. Adds nothing, came on as a sub and looked dogged and lacked urgency. Aware we have to put up with him but he’s a major frustration to watch.
Valencia – again, a major frustration to watch. He’s just not good enough…not with 12m anyway.
Again, extremely happy that we’re through and don’t want to shine a negative but thought it throw my 2 pence in.
Don’t agree on Valencia. He has energy and create chances. And he definitely can shoot. Maybe he’s a lil lightweight and sometimes goes down too cheaply but he did well for us recently. Andy doesn’t look 100% fit to me still he can cause panic in the oppositions box.
I think the fact that Randolph was our best performer in that 2-game tie vs pool raises serious question bout our defensive options. We need to sort defence out. And I’m talking about cbs.
Really happy at the result, The Scoucers were really up for it after three un-successful attempt at beating us this season. Not our best overall performance of the season, but the lads never give up. I am sorry to say that one or two of the comments on this article are odd to say the least,
Valencia was great last night, made the first goal, was dragged down for a stonewall pen, and gave width and an outlet, when we had to revert to a longer ball game, as their midfield was swarming round Payet.
Noble was all over the pitch (only one poor pass I can remember). 8/10 for me.
Randolph magnificent (No chance with goal)
Obiang with more minutes will be a better choice than Song, a really steady performance.
Antonio well his a legend already.
When Lanzini is fit and Sahko returns this team will go places.
My point on Valencia was more on what he gives when he has the ball – agreed he offers an outlet and anyone with pace will always be a threat, 20%/30% of the time there’s something to offer…the other times he’s too easily read and either his footwork fails him or he’s shrugged off the ball (not his fault as he’s only a little fellow).
Can’t really argue with that, but, I am sure Slav is aware of his sometimes being to easily read and hope that part of his game will improve.