During the famous Sky Sports television event that was Farewell to the Boleyn Ground last season, Darren Randolph was beaten at his near post by a wayward Anthony Martial cross from the left-hand side of West Ham's penalty area.
Despite establishing himself as Ireland's number one ahead of the Euros, the Bray 'keeper had failed to lock down his place for West Ham, and was conspicuously lacking in match practice as his side denied United Champions League football with a hard-fought 3-2 win.
What a difference six months make. Yesterday, at Old Trafford, Randolph started once more in Adrian's absence, and produced a performance which United midfielder Ander Herrera described as 'unbelievable'.
SEE ALSO: Darren Randolph Played An Absolute Stormer At Old Trafford Today
A string of fine saves kept United at bay for the most part, as West Ham left Manchester with a well-earned point after coming under intense pressure for the majority of proceedings, particularly in the first half.
Speaking to the club's website, Randolph explained what it was like between the sticks as wave after wave of United attacks bombarded he and his defenders, describing his performance as a career highlight:
It’s certainly up there [with my most memorable] although I’d have liked to be less busy.
When you’re having a good day, you’re having a good day. We got the luck today and the saves obviously counted towards something because we got a point.
I haven’t [got a favourite save] but I’m just happy to have made the saves that count for something and that we’ve got a point out the game.
We’re very happy. It was tough and like the Alamo at times, but that’s what it takes when you come to these places.
The 29-year-old received his own mini-segment on Match of the Day 2, capping a fine performance, and may now be in line to start for West Ham again - against the same opposition - in the EFL Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night.
He's not one for getting carried away, mind:
I can only try and perform and show what I can do when I get the chance. If I get the nod, I get the nod and if not I would fully back Adrian and then we’d want to push on again and get ourselves further up the table and progress in the cup.
Whether or not he nails down a spot at West Ham this season remains to be seen, but it's certainly good news for Ireland that one of their key figures is performing more-than-capably at Premier League level when required.
[West Ham]
