There’s an undeniable magic in those moments before the FA Cup final commences. The fanfare, the shimmering trophies, the palpable tension among players and supporters, and managers strategizing intently. All build to the anticipation of a new hero emerging.
Many can vividly recall the details of every final during a specific period – often their formative years – when the kits, colors, goalscorers, and victorious captains ascending the Wembley steps are indelibly etched in memory.
While recent years may be a blur, the exploits of Paul Rideout in ’95 or Eric Cantona against Liverpool remain crystal clear.
Certain goals, however, transcend mere moments and become part of FA Cup lore, perpetually replayed in final montages – the stunning strikes, moments of individual brilliance, and goals that sealed unexpected victories. Here’s a ranking of the top 10.
10. Youri Tielemans – Leicester v Chelsea 2021
Leicester City’s Premier League title win in 2016 was miraculous. But clinching their first FA Cup in 2021 was almost as momentous, sealed with a stunning strike.
Youri Tielemans, receiving the ball in Chelsea’s half, took two touches to create space before unleashing a powerful, angled shot that found the top corner, leaving Kepa Arrizabalaga with no chance.
Limited to 20,000 spectators due to Covid restrictions, the Foxes’ fans will forever cherish those cup-winning memories.
9. Ben Watson – Wigan v Man City 2013
While perhaps not as technically refined as others on this list, few goals have contributed to a shock result as significant as Wigan Athletic’s victory over Manchester City in 2013.
Scored in the 91st minute, the drama was amplified when Ben Watson rose to meet Shaun Maloney’s corner, flicking a header into the far corner against a City side fresh off their first Premier League title.
Three days later, Wigan fans were back in London to witness their side’s relegation from the Premier League following a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal.
8. Charlie George – Arsenal v Liverpool 1971
The celebration is iconic: Charlie George, in yellow, lying on his back, arms outstretched, before being mobbed by teammates after scoring the winner against Liverpool in extra time.
Through grainy footage, one can almost feel the players’ fatigue as George executes a one-two before firing a shot past Ray Clemence to secure Arsenal’s league and cup double.
“As soon as it left my foot, I knew it was a goal,” the Gunners forward stated.
7. Ray Parlour – Arsenal v Chelsea 2002
Ray Parlour was not known for his prolific scoring record, having only scored once in 37 games leading up to Arsenal’s 2002 FA Cup final against Chelsea.
However, ‘the Romford Pele’ had a knack for delivering in crucial moments. With 20 minutes remaining at Millennium Stadium, the midfielder collected Sylvain Wiltord’s pass.
As William Gallas and Marcel Desailly backed off, Parlour found himself with space 30 yards out and curled a shot past Carlo Cudicini.
Freddie Ljungberg then scored a memorable solo goal to secure the trophy for Arsenal.
6. Norman Whiteside – Man Utd v Everton 1985
Manchester United faced formidable odds, reduced to 10 men in extra time against an Everton side chasing a treble.
But in the 110th minute, Mark Hughes threaded a pass to Norman Whiteside.
Whiteside cut inside on his left foot and, with a subtle stepover, created space to curl a shot around Pat van den Hauwe and past Neville Southall.
“Some people have had the audacity to ask if it was a cross!” he later remarked.
5. Ilkay Gundogan – Man City v Man Utd 2023
Just twelve seconds into the game, wearing the captain’s armband against your city rivals, with the ball falling perfectly from the sky, there’s no better reason to unleash a volley.
Ilkay Gundogan’s execution was flawless, lacing a ferocious, dipping strike into the top corner, leaving David de Gea helpless.
Gundogan’s goal is the fastest in FA Cup final history, and undoubtedly one of the finest.
He scored again later in the match as Manchester City won the FA Cup, before securing the Treble with a Champions League victory against Inter Milan.
4. Michael Owen – Liverpool v Arsenal 2001
Michael Owen was an electrifying young talent. By the 2001 FA Cup final, the 21-year-old was en route to winning the Ballon d’Or.
Liverpool trailed Arsenal 1-0 in Cardiff when Owen equalized with a well-taken half-volley in the 83rd minute. His winner five minutes later was classic Owen.
Under pressure, Patrik Berger lofted a clearance into the channel. Owen outpaced Lee Dixon to reach the ball.
His first touch evaded Tony Adams, his second unleashed a left-footed shot just inside David Seaman’s far post.
“If I could have one day back, I would rewind to that day,” Owen later reflected.
3. Roberto di Matteo – Chelsea v Middlesbrough 1997
With less than a minute played, Roberto di Matteo collected a pass inside his own half.
The Italian surged forward, unchallenged by Middlesbrough’s midfield, before unleashing a ferocious shot from 30 yards that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Chelsea won 2-0, claiming their first major trophy in 26 years.
2. Steven Gerrard – Liverpool v West Ham 2006
Steven Gerrard was renowned for his spectacular goals, but arguably none were as sweet as this.
Hobbling with cramp as Liverpool trailed West Ham 3-2 in added time, Gerrard struck a bobbling ball from 40 yards, sending it fizzing into the back of Shaka Hislop’s net.
“I saw him coming on to it but there were a lot of players between him and me, and he hit it so well it was in the back of the net almost before I could react,” Hislop recounted.
Liverpool went on to win on penalties, with Gerrard also converting from the spot.
“When that went in I felt like the most special and important player in the world,” he said of his strike.
1. Ricky Villa – Tottenham v Man City 1981
At number one, it’s the beauty and adrenaline-fueled emotion of Ricky Villa’s goal. Just days earlier, he was crestfallen to have been substituted in the drawn final.
In the replay, Villa delivered.
With the game tied 2-2, Villa embarked on his famous dribble, weaving through blue shirts before slotting the ball between Joe Corrigan’s legs.
“I remember getting the ball and my first instinct was to attack,” Villa recalled. “As soon as I ran towards the goal I forgot about everyone around me.”
“I lost control of the ball just a little before the goal but I shot and I was lucky before I scored. Sometimes you need a little luck and this is what happened.”
“It changed my life in the English league.”
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