West Ham travelled to Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round and despite Payet’s remarkable free-kick they will have to try and finish the job at Upton Park after Anthony Martial’s late equaliser forced a replay.
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But with time running out, United’s young French starlet Martial hooked Ander Herrera’s cross on the volley back into the net from the narrowest of angles.
But the officials missed it, the goal stood and United ensured they made the draw for the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Monday night.
Smalling and United turn their attentions to Thursday’s Europa League second leg against Liverpool at Old Trafford as they look to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
We thought those days were over, but it seems that referee Martin Atkinson did not get the memo as West Ham were denied their rightful place in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley by two dubious decisions from the referee.
“Our fantastic run has come to an end on a day where we felt that our performance deserved a win”, said Wenger, whose side replied through substitute Danny Welbeck in the 88th minute.
Everton, who haven’t won the FA Cup since beating United in the 1995 final, last reached the final in 2009 when they defeated United on penalties in the last four before losing to Chelsea. Yes of course we are confident, but not because Manchester United didn’t play well (against Liverpool).
“I heard it would be more hard for the police to organise but I think it would be a great night”.
Payet possibly shouldn’t have been on the field to score, having escaped a second yellow card for diving minutes earlier, while United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger could have been penalized for obstructing West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph for Martial’s goal.
They went close to winning at Old Trafford for the first time in 11 visits thanks to Payet’s 11th goal of the season, superbly converted from a 30-yard free-kick. Both teams had their chances but didn’t take it well.
“In our dressing room after the game it was kind of silent”, Bilic said.
“I am sure Everton would not want to face us if we get through, especially after our impressive comeback at Goodison Park last weekend”.
“We talk a lot about how to start the game and starting it strong, and more often than not we’ve started the game quite strongly”.
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“It’s not impossible. We know how crucial that first goal is going to be”.
