West Ham goalkeeper Adrian scores winner against Everton
Hammers goalie the hero as pulsating cup tie ends with 20-kick penalty shootout
West Ham United 2 Everton 2 (West Ham win 9-8 on penalties). Spanish goalkeeper Adrian was the Hammers' hero in their FA Cup third round replay against Everton. After the thrilling tie had finished all-square at 2-2, he took the 20th spot-kick of an extraordinary penalty shootout to sent West Ham through to the next stage where they will face League One Bristol City.
It was West Ham's first victory in the FA Cup since February 2011 and manager Sam Allardyce was still catching his breath when he spoke to reporters. "It was an unbelievable match," he exclaimed. "You can't say the FA Cup has died after that, not with that entertainment value. I thought today had absolutely everything a cup tie should have - a little bit of controversy, some great play, chances missed, some great goalkeeping and some very good goals."
Allardyce could also have added a bizarre confrontation between two West Ham players, Mark Noble and James Tomkins, to the list of dramas at the Boleyn Ground after they had to be pulled apart by Kevin Nolan and the referee.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The first goal of the night was scored by Enner Valencia when he collected Andy Carroll's pass and fired past Toffees keeper Joel Robles on 51 minutes. When Everton's Aiden McGeady was sent off five minutes later for his second bookable offence it looked like the Merseysiders were doomed to defeat. But manager Roberto Martinez threw on Kevin Mirallas on 67 minutes and the Belgian responded with a delightful free-kick that brought Everton level.
Mirallas then created the extra-time goal that gave the visitors the lead, his run allowing Romelu Lukaku the opportunity to a lot the ball past Adrian. But then in the second period of extra time Carlton Cole – who had only been introduced two minutes earlier – stabbed home the ball from James Tomkins's header to take the game to penalties.
In a nail-biting climax Everton's Steven Naismith saw his penalty saved. Stewart Downing could have sent the Hammers through, but his effort was saved by Everton keeper Joel Robles to send the shoot-out into sudden death.
There were four more successful kicks from both sides before it was the turn of the keepers (as Everton were down to ten men, West Ham nominated Tomkins not to take part in the shootout).
Robles went first but hit the crossbar with his effort, and up stepped Adrian to convert the 20th penalty and send the home fans wild. "In that moment I felt so quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves," explained Adrian. "I never took a penalty before - only in training for a joke, but not serious. Never in life had I struck a penalty in an important game."
It was the first goal Adrian has ever scored in professional football and he was determined to milk the moment for all its worth, rushing over to the West Ham and then sliding before them on his knees. "I have celebrated my saves before normally, but never scoring a goal," he said "It was my first goal in my career and it's an amazing day for me, my teammates, the club and the fans."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Will Gary Lineker's departure be an own goal for the BBC?
Today's Big Question Former star striker turned highest-paid presenter will leave Match of the Day after 25 years, with BBC head of sport reportedly declining to offer him a contract
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The potential impact of Trump tariffs for the UK
UK goods exports to the US could be hit with tariffs of up to 20% seriously affecting the British economy
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Shoot to Kill: Terror on the Tube – a 'raw' and 'riveting' docuseries
The Week Recommends Channel 4's 'gripping' two-part show explores the Metropolitan police killing of an innocent man in the aftermath of 7/7
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
2022 FA Cup final: Chelsea vs. Liverpool preview, predictions, kick-off time and TV coverage
feature Premier League rivals go head-to-head in another Wembley final
By Mike Starling Published
-
Should the FA Cup semi-finals be moved from Wembley?
feature Man City and Liverpool fans face travel chaos on semi-final weekend
By Mike Starling Published
-
Giant killings and classic ‘cupsets’: who said the magic of the FA Cup was dead?
feature National League side Boreham Wood are through to the fifth round after a stunning win at Bournemouth
By Mike Starling Published
-
Premier League 2020-21 predictions and odds: champions, top four, relegation
The Week Recommends A look at what the football media has to say ahead of the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich: Alphonso Davies expects a ‘goalfest’
The Week Recommends Key talking points ahead of the Champions League final
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City’s ‘World Cup’: Pep Guardiola’s team bid for Champions League glory
The Week Recommends Sky Blues prepare for a potential three knockout games in eight days in Portugal
By Mike Starling Published