Darren Randolph said the Hammers came up against an inspired David de Gea on Wednesday
Darren Randolph said the Hammers gave it their all in their Emirates FA Cup sixth round replay against Manchester United, but were denied a Wembley semi-final by an inspired David de Gea in the other goal.
West Ham came to life in the final ten minutes after James Tomkins’ goal gave them hope at 2-0 down, but de Gea made outstanding saves from Cheikhou Kouyate and Andy Carroll to prevent yet another Hammers comeback.
Randolph was understandably disappointed at his team’s Cup exit, but still proud of their efforts to get this close to the final four.
He said: “We tried, but it wasn’t enough [in the end]. We could have grabbed another late equaliser, and a winner, but the keeper has made some great saves. It wasn’t to be.
“We had chances at Old Trafford, and played well up there. We didn’t think they’d play at the same standard as they did then, because they are a good team no matter where they are in the league.
“They performed tonight when they needed to.”
West Ham came to life in the final ten minutes after James Tomkins’ goal gave them hope at 2-0 down, but de Gea made outstanding saves from Cheikhou Kouyate and Andy Carroll to prevent yet another Hammers comeback.
Randolph was understandably disappointed at his team’s Cup exit, but still proud of their efforts to get this close to the final four.
He said: “We tried, but it wasn’t enough [in the end]. We could have grabbed another late equaliser, and a winner, but the keeper has made some great saves. It wasn’t to be.
“We had chances at Old Trafford, and played well up there. We didn’t think they’d play at the same standard as they did then, because they are a good team no matter where they are in the league.
“They performed tonight when they needed to.”
The Hammers still have plenty to play for this season with European qualification up for grabs and Randolph insists the Hammers won’t allow this result to affect the rest of the campaign.
“We’re still in a great position and there’s still so much to play for,” he added. “The good thing is we’ve got another game on Sunday – a massive game.
“We’ll dust ourselves off quickly and then concentrate on Sunday, pushing up the league and finishing as high as we can.”
For Randolph personally, the Cup run has given him a chance to shine in his first season in east London and he will take much from it.
He explained: “I enjoyed the run. It’s the furthest I’ve got in the FA Cup, we’ve played against some good teams and there are lots of positives to be taken from the run.
“I believe some of performances in the FA Cup have helped us maintain unbeaten runs in the league and pick up points.”
“We’re still in a great position and there’s still so much to play for,” he added. “The good thing is we’ve got another game on Sunday – a massive game.
“We’ll dust ourselves off quickly and then concentrate on Sunday, pushing up the league and finishing as high as we can.”
For Randolph personally, the Cup run has given him a chance to shine in his first season in east London and he will take much from it.
He explained: “I enjoyed the run. It’s the furthest I’ve got in the FA Cup, we’ve played against some good teams and there are lots of positives to be taken from the run.
“I believe some of performances in the FA Cup have helped us maintain unbeaten runs in the league and pick up points.”