Anthony Knockaert has told Shane Duffy he could do nothing about the goal which beat Albion at Wembley.

The Irish centre-back watched Kevin De Bruyne’s wicked ball in go across him – and then saw Gabriel Jesus sneak in on his blindside to head home.

It turned out to the goal which settled the FA Cup semi-final.

Duffy later told The Argus he "could have done a bit better" and that he would learn from the incident.

As a winger himself, Knockaert appreciated the quality of De Bruyne’s delivery.

And he told Duffy post-match that the cross which defeated him was impossible to defend against.

Knockaert told The Argus: “We had to stay in shape and cut out passes between the lines because that is their main strength.

“I think overall we did it almost perfectly apart from the goal.

“For me it is almost impossible to stop. The cross from De Bruyne to the back post is unbelievable.

“I spoke to Shane in the shower and he said that if he touched it he thinks it’s an own goal.

“He felt like the ball was going to be a bit longer.

“For me it is the perfect ball. You cannot defend that.

“I think, apart from that, we have been unbelievable.”

Knockaert buzzed around on and off the ball and sent a first-half shot over the top corner when he appeared to have been closed down.

Team mates and fans captured that same mood in the second half.

Knockaert said: “At half-time, we just said the longer the game goes on, the more chances we will get. That is what happened. We were pushing and I believed we would get one.

“We were unlucky, especially on the corner (when Aymeric Laporte cleared in the goalmouth). I thought the ball was in.

“But it is a great team in front of us and no regrets – we gave everything.

“I think our FA Cup run has been unbelievable and it was a great day for everyone.”

Albion fans cheered the announcement that Knockaert had been named man of the match.

But what they really wanted to celebrate was a goal to take the game into extra-time.

Knockaert said: “It was a bit sad to go out like this because I think we deserved probably at least to score and come back in the game.

“After, in extra-time, it’s a different game and anything can happen.

“We managed to cause them a lot of problems defensively and offensively.

“I think the more important thing was against this kind of team, probably the best in England, we didn’t even concede a clear chance apart from the goal.

“It’s a great day for the fans and for the club.

“It would have been even better with the result but I think overall it is amazing what we did.”

Asked about his personal accolade, he said: “I think I just worked really hard for the team and gave everything I could.

“After that, it’s not my decision to vote that but I really appreciate it and I take as a compliment.”