Mark Noble could not hide his relief at playing provider for both goals after missing a gilt-edged chance early in the dramatic 2-1 victory against Manchester United.
With little more than seven minutes played, West Ham United were more than holding their own against the champions - and looked certain to take the lead when a Hayden Mullins shot crashed against the bar and landed at Noble's feet with the goal gaping. However, the 20-year-old could not keep his effort on target, sending his first-time shot agonisingly over the bar.
"I missed a great chance," Noble recalled, and it seemed his profligacy would come back to haunt him when Cristiano Ronaldo put United in front on a breakway within five minutes. The England Under-21 midfielder was determined though not to let the miss occupy his thoughts too much, especially with virtually the whole match left to play. "It hurt me not scoring but we needed to carry on the way we were going.
"We just needed to get around them and not let them play because they are the best in the country - them and Arsenal - at passing the ball, so we really got in and around them and spoilt the way they play. We really excelled ourselves."
Having then seen Carlton Cole go close with "a header he normally puts away", Noble finally got the reward his efforts deserved with two second-half set-pieces that led to the quickfire goals for Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson in the 76th and 81st minutes. "It was nice for me to set up the two goals from a free-kick and a corner, so I ain't gonna be too harsh on myself for missing that chance!"
Had Nolberto Solano not gone off with a hamstring strain early in the second half, Noble might not even have had the chance to make the difference when it mattered most. "As everyone knows Nobby's set-plays are second to none, his delivery is fantastic," Noble said, explaining that assistant manager Mervyn Day urged him to take responsibility in the Peruvian international's absence.
"Merve always says when I have come on in the last couple of games - 'you take the set-plays'. I took it upon myself to do that and thank God they were OK. We really cracked on and I am happy for Matty and Anton that they got their goals."