Dimitri Payet believes his stupendous 30-yard screamer against Manchester United on Sunday is up there with the very best he has ever scored.
The Frenchman’s third goal in this season’s Emirates FA Cup fired West Ham United in front at Old Trafford after 68 minutes, only for Anthony Martial to ensure the sides would do it all over again at the Boleyn Ground.
Payet, who has now netted five in his last six outings in all competitions, naturally felt the hosts’ late rescue act had taken the shine off his brilliant opener, but was nonetheless delighted with such a goal on such a stage.
He told West Ham TV: “It's true that it was a lovely goal but I wanted it to give us victory. Unfortunately, they caught up with us at the end, we are a little disappointed, but I think we played a good game here at Old Trafford and we'll have to be very good at home to reach the semi-finals.
“I think it's one of my most beautiful goals, and on top of that at a ground that I particularly appreciate. Past a very good goalkeeper as well, so everything came together to make for one of my best goals this season.”
The Frenchman’s third goal in this season’s Emirates FA Cup fired West Ham United in front at Old Trafford after 68 minutes, only for Anthony Martial to ensure the sides would do it all over again at the Boleyn Ground.
Payet, who has now netted five in his last six outings in all competitions, naturally felt the hosts’ late rescue act had taken the shine off his brilliant opener, but was nonetheless delighted with such a goal on such a stage.
He told West Ham TV: “It's true that it was a lovely goal but I wanted it to give us victory. Unfortunately, they caught up with us at the end, we are a little disappointed, but I think we played a good game here at Old Trafford and we'll have to be very good at home to reach the semi-finals.
“I think it's one of my most beautiful goals, and on top of that at a ground that I particularly appreciate. Past a very good goalkeeper as well, so everything came together to make for one of my best goals this season.”
Payet expects the replay – the final ever FA Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground – to be a memorable occasion under the lights, just as the Hammers’ fourth round triumph over Liverpool proved to be.
But the Hammers’ talisman is taking absolutely nothing for granted and says it will require another big performance to secure a semi-final spot at Wembley.
He continued: “We will have to be strong at home, as we know how to be, because we're up against a very good team. We've the opportunity to replay at home, as we did against Liverpool and we have to beat Manchester United if we're going to go further in the competition.
“We all have the dream of playing the semi-final at Wembley. There have been surprises in these quarter-finals and it's going to be open right until the end. We have to get past Manchester United to have the opportunity to play at Wembley.
“I think it is going to be an extraordinary match, the supporters want us to progress, they will be there and we will need them. It's still Manchester United and we'll have to produce a big game to get past them. But firstly there's the league and Chelsea next week.”