After West Ham won 5-1 against Blackburn in the FA Cup, Slav said, “He’s there with Modric.”
Slaven Bilic reckons Payet and Modric are the best players he’s ever trained.
In a game of two red cards, the first was much more significant.
The opening goal came from Blackburn corner in 20 minutes. When the ball was headed out, right back Ben Marshall hit a 25-yard shot that squeezed inside the near post to put the Hammers 1-0 down.
But the French ace dominated the game after that.
Victor Moses equalised six minutes later with a skidding shot that should have been saved by young keeper Jason Steele.
Then Payet was fouled by Chris Taylor, who was booked, and took the free-kick himself. He whipped in a 25-yarder in 36 and the score remained 2-1 well into the second half and then Taylor produced an utterly unprofessional trip on Victor Moses and was sent off.
Payet’s classy ball over the top released Emineke, who waltzed round Steele and made it 3-1 in 65 minute.
Kouyate got sent off for clipping the flying Henley as he raced into the box, so it was now 10 v 10.
Emineke, signed in January, scored again to make it 4-1.
The game was very stretched now and Payet, the Picasso of the Premier, took the opportunity to paint another masterpiece.
His seemingly casual slalom produced a goal reminiscent of the legendary George Best. The maestro picked up the ball on the left side, as Best used to do, and glided into the box to score with a beautifully placed right-foot shot inside the near post.
Top players just play in their own time and decide what must happen next.
In the Sixth Round, Payet’s artistry should be on display in the George’s old manor, the Theatre of Dreams.
Provided that LVG’s stuttering dunces win at Shrewsbury tonight.
PS. The crowd of under 19,000 contained 7,000 West Ham supporters who had travelled to Ewood Park. Come on, you Irons!
VERDICT? I hope the FA Cup is won by a manager who picks his first team.