It was a mixed day for Darren Randoph against Liverpool on Sunday as his side went behind early on, turned the game around to get back into the lead, and then conceded a sloppy equaliser.
Randolph himself had a hand in that equaliser after he spilled a shot at the feet of Divock Origi, who put the ball in the back of the net from just a few yards out.
The Ireland international had a memorable game against Manchester United a few weeks ago, but one to forget against Arsenal last week in which Slaven Bilić's side were mercilessly hammered. Sunday's game was somewhat of a combination of both.
Despite the error that gifted Liverpool an equalsier, social media was raving about Randolph later in the game after he produced a stunning stop with his fingertips to deny a beautifully struck shot from Jordan Henderson that looked destined for the top corner.
In a game of not the most brilliant goalkeeping we've ever seen that was a staggering save by Randolph from a superb strike by Henderson.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 11, 2016
On a more positive note what a top hand save that is from @RandzOfficial. Save of the season so far?
— Lee Evans (@LeeEvansGK) December 12, 2016
Speaking after the match, however, a clearly frustrated and annoyed Randolph was interviewed by Sky Sports, and did not look as if he was in the mood for much of a chat.
Although his save from Henderson was highlighted in the questioning, the Bray man was still devastated about the earlier error that he believes had cost his side two points. In a terse exchange, Randolph was a man of few words.
"We battled hard, managed to get ourselves back in the game, actually get ahead in the game," the 'keeper said, "It's obviously disappointing."
"You're upset about the equaliser?"
"Yeah."
"You've obviously not had a chance to see back your save from Henderson yet, do you not feel like you've redeemed yourself?"
"No. It don't really matter to be honest, no."
"So you don't take any joy out of the save because of the mistake?"
"One of those things that happened. Move on."
At that point the interviewer turned back to Michail Antonio, but once again the Twitterati were full of praise for the way Randolph reacted to his own error.
@RandzOfficial We ALL know you are gutted after the mistake today but remember we support you and will continue to do it keep going #COYI
— Gavin O Flynn (@Gavlar_04) December 11, 2016
@RandzOfficial L'pool fan here. Chin up. I rate you as a keeper. Mistakes happen. But the save from Hendo was breathtaking. Chin up lad.
— David Foster (@MajikFoster) December 11, 2016
Massive respect for Darren Randolph after watching that post-match interview #LFCWHU
— Seán Brennan (@SeanBrennan_4) December 11, 2016
@RandzOfficial what an amazing performance from u today, there's no need to be angry at yourself. You gifted us a point today. Legend #WHUFC
— Louis W-S (@Louiswswhu) December 12, 2016
@RandzOfficial deserves to start in goal. He doesn't just make great saves, but he has the character to own the saves he doesn't as well.
— Reed Kinderman (@reedkinderman) December 12, 2016
@RandzOfficial fantastic save yesterday and great to see a player with so much passion keep your chin up
— Luke Soanes (@SoanesLuke) December 12, 2016
Pundits Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp were also giving Randolph praise for his attitude, with Redknapp saying: "I love that interview from him. I think it's brilliant. He saved his team there [even though] he may feel like he cost them two points."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
