MY ACCOUNT
This weekend’s FA Cup final will be the 142nd time that the world-famous sporting event has taken place.
The competition is rich with history and there have been many memorable instances which have graced the season-ending showpiece.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash between Manchester City and Manchester United, we look back at some unforgettable FA Cup final moments.
Wrighty comes off the bench (1990)
Crystal Palace’s star player Ian Wright started the 1990 FA Cup final against United on the bench, having only recently recovered from a broken leg.
With his side 2-1 down, Wright came on in the second half and equalised within three minutes. He would score again in extra-time, only for Mark Hughes to grab his second and secure a 3-3 draw.
The Red Devils won the replay five days later but Wrighty did manage to win the trophy twice after joining Arsenal.
Gerrard’s volley (2006)
In the 2006 edition, West Ham were 3-2 up in added-time and looked to be on their way to victory. That was until a clearance came to Steven Gerrard 35 yards from goal and he drilled a low volley into the net.
The Reds went on to win via penalties thanks to Gerrard’s second incredible final in the space of a year after The Miracle of Istanbul in 2005.
The five-minute final (1979)
The 1979 FA Cup final between Arsenal and United was relatively uneventful until the last five minutes of the game with the Gunners cruising into two-goal lead.
Gordon McQueen gave United hope in the 86th minute and then Sammy McIlroy equalised shortly afterwards. Yet the comeback was not to last long, with Alan Sunderland scoring a last-gasp winner for the Gunners.
Owen’s brace (2001)
Arsenal were on the wrong end of a cup final comeback in 2001. Freddie Ljungberg had given them a second-half lead against Liverpool, but the Merseysiders had a match-winner in their ranks.
Michael Owen equalised against the run of play with eight minutes remaining and with extra-time on the horizon, he outpaced Tony Adams and Lee Dixon before producing a clinical finish to win the trophy.
The Crazy Gang beat the Culture Club (1988)
Liverpool won the First Division in impressive fashion in the 1987-88 season and just had to beat lowly Wimbledon in the FA Cup final to become the first club to ever win the double twice.
The Dons had other ideas, though, with Lawrie Sanchez giving them a first-half lead. Liverpool won a penalty after the break but Dave Beasant saved from John Aldridge to ensure his side got their hands on the trophy.
Matthews breaks his duck (1953)
The neutrals were all on Blackpool’s side in their 1953 final against Bolton with a nation hoping that a 38-year-old Stanley Matthews could finally win the FA Cup.
Known as the Matthews final after the England international set up three goals in a thrilling 4-3 victory, it is also notable for a hat-trick from team-mate Stan Mortensen.
Tricky Ricky (1981)
Think of an FA Cup goal and the chances are that those of a certain age will turn to Ricky Villa’s second in Tottenham’s 3-2 victory over City in the 1981 final replay.
Voted as the Wembley Goal of the Century in 2001, the Argentine set off on a mazy dribble 30 yards out and beat four players before slotting past City’s Joe Corrigan.
