Mark Noble was proud as punch to help West Ham United to their first victory at Anfield in more than half-a-century on Saturday.
West Ham’s wait for success at Liverpool had spanned 52 years and 42 league matches, but goals from Noble himself, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho left the Reds floored.
Noble saw red in controversial circumstances on 79 minutes, but he would not let it sour a memorable day on Merseyside.
He said: “It was a great result for the lads after two defeats, which weren’t good enough. I said to about 20 people this week that we had to win here at some point and after 52 years to lead the team out there today [and get the victory] makes me a proud man.
"I hope the red cards and all that controversy don’t overshadow how good we were. To come to a place like Anfield and win 3-0, that’s what you play football for.
“We trained so well this week – we were bang on yesterday – and I had a little feeling this was going to happen today.”
“I’m two in two now, prolific aren’t I?! Manuel did so well down the right and now, with the position I’m playing in I’m finding myself a little further forward and getting goalscoring opportunities. It fell for me and I just picked my spot.
“To score at this place, especially in a win, is something I’ll never forget.”
Manuel Lanzini got the Hammers’ first and Noble had words of praise for the Argentine.
He continued: “He was brilliant, ‘The Jewel’ as they call him. He was fantastic on his first start in the Premier League. I’m probably the only player he’s smaller than in the team but he had a massive part in my goal, pestering Lovren and he also scored himself.
“His all round play – his pressing, his closing down was brilliant and he’s probably going to have a nice sleep tonight!"
The Hammers captain concluded by thanking the 2,500 travelling fans, who were in fine voice throughout.
Noble added: “The away fans were great today, they’re always great. Obviously we made a rod for our own back at home by not playing well enough. The fans do help massively when you’ve got new players and they have to bed in.
“The fans are a major part in helping us and the lucky ones who came saw a bit of history.”