There was only one person Łukasz Fabiański could dedicate his penalty save to.
Sunday’s Premier League fixture with Manchester City was already set to be an emotional outing before a ball was even kicked, as the Claret and Blue Army prepared to say goodbye to Mark Noble after 18 years of playing for his boyhood side.
Jarrod Bowen’s double in the first half had put the home side in dreamland but Jack Grealish and Vladimír Coufal’s own goal levelled the tie in the second, before Riyad Mahrez stepped up from the penalty spot.
Goalkepeer Fabiański made no mistake though, denying City the lead with a superb save.
“I think it was more for Nobes than for me!” Fabiański said. “It was a difficult penalty save and I was very happy to help the team in a difficult moment.
“At the same time, it was the last home game of the season and the last home game for Nobes, so it was such a special day for him and we all wanted to put in a good performance against a very strong team and for him to have a very special day. We did it with this performance, and this result, and we can be proud of the team.”
Noble made his way out at the home of West Ham United for the final time in the 77th minute, replacing Manuel Lanzini, and Fabiański was full of praise for a captain and leader he had the privilege of sharing a team with for four years.
“He's a special person. He’s Mr. West Ham. He’s been at the Club for his whole career. He’s a great guy and a proper leader of the whole team. West Ham is in his blood. He cares so much about this Club and it’s been absolute pleasure to share a dressing room with him.”
Reflecting on the action at London Stadium, the shot-stopper continued: “I think, in the second half, we dropped a little bit in the way we conceded the goals. Both of them were deflected and I think that happens when you’re defending deep.
“But then, we played against a team that are very strong opponents. We had to be ready for what might happen in the second half and, even though we didn’t manage to win the game, we still feel comfortable.”
The point at home to Manchester City, combined with results elsewhere, mean the Irons have guaranteed themselves European football by their league position for a second consecutive season for the first time in the Club’s history.
Fabiański believes the team can take immense pride in the manner they have navigated a hectic schedule and secured at least a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.
“This season, we’ve been able to compete against huge teams. To be in this position, at the end of the season, to be able to challenge for the Europa League spot, it’s huge.
“Especially after this season, which was a new experience for us, with also competing in the Europa League and in the Premier League, with more games than usual, we coped with it very well. It’s a big credit to the Club and all the players.”
