The FA Cup final is a stage where magic happens, and the goals scored in these matches are often etched into football folklore. From the breathtaking strikes to the dramatic comebacks, each FA Cup final goal has its own unique story. Here, we delve into the top 10 goals, ranking them based on their impact, skill, and the sheer drama they brought to the game.
- Ricky Villa - Tottenham v Man City 1981
The iconic moment of Ricky Villa's goal is a testament to the beauty of football. With the game tied at 2-2, Villa, who had already scored earlier, embarked on a mesmerizing dribble. His journey began with shorts clinging to his upper thighs, hair billowing in the Wembley breeze, and the sound of Chas & Dave's music filling his ears. He effortlessly skipped past Manchester City's goalkeeper, Joe Corrigan, and slotted the ball between his legs. This goal not only changed Villa's life in the English league but also became a defining moment in FA Cup history.
- Steven Gerrard - Liverpool v West Ham 2006
Gerrard's goal is a masterpiece of precision and timing. As Liverpool trailed West Ham 3-2 in added time, Gerrard, despite being hobbled by cramp and lactic acid, swung his right boot at a bobbling ball 40 yards out. The result was a breathtaking strike that fizzed just above the turf and found its way into the back of Shaka Hislop's net. This goal not only showcased Gerrard's skill but also became a pivotal moment in Liverpool's penalty shootout victory.
- Roberto di Matteo - Chelsea v Middlesbrough 1997
Di Matteo's goal is a testament to the power of individual brilliance. In the opening minutes of the match, Di Matteo collected a pass 10 yards inside his own half and surged forward. With Middlesbrough's midfield seemingly still in the dressing room, he unleashed a ferocious effort that appeared to pick up speed as it cannoned into the net off the underside of the crossbar. This goal not only secured Chelsea's first major trophy in 26 years but also became an iconic moment in FA Cup history.
- Michael Owen - Liverpool v Arsenal 2001
Owen's goal is a display of sheer athleticism and skill. With Liverpool trailing Arsenal 1-0, Owen, despite his early hamstring problems, showcased his electric pace. He levelled the score with a smartly taken half-volley in the 83rd minute and sealed the victory with a left-footed shot a fraction inside David Seaman's far post. Owen's goal not only showcased his talent but also became a pivotal moment in Liverpool's FA Cup triumph.
- Ilkay Gundogan - Man City v Man Utd 2023
Gundogan's goal is a testament to the beauty of timing and precision. With only 12 seconds on the clock, Gundogan executed his effort with perfection, lacing a ferocious, dipping strike into David de Gea's top corner. This goal not only showcased Gundogan's skill but also became a pivotal moment in Manchester City's FA Cup victory.
- Norman Whiteside - Man Utd v Everton 1985
Whiteside's goal is a display of individual brilliance under pressure. With Manchester United down to 10 men and facing an Everton side chasing a treble, Whiteside scrambled down the right and cut in towards the edge of the box. With a subtle stepover, he created enough room to wrap a curling effort around Toffees defender Pat van den Hauwe and beyond keeper Neville Southall into the far corner.
- Ray Parlour - Arsenal v Chelsea 2002
Parlour's goal is a testament to the power of composure and precision. With 20 minutes to go at Millennium Stadium, Parlour, despite having only scored once in 37 games all season, received Sylvain Wiltord's pass and bounded through blue shirts. With room 30 yards out, he curled an effort beyond despairing goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.
- Charlie George - Arsenal v Liverpool 1971
George's goal is a display of individual brilliance and determination. With Arsenal trailing Liverpool deep into extra time, George played a one-two and lashed a strike beyond Ray Clemence from the edge of the box. This goal not only showcased George's skill but also became a pivotal moment in Arsenal's league and cup double triumph.
- Ben Watson - Wigan v Man City 2013
Watson's goal is a testament to the power of set-piece execution. With the score tied at 1-1, Watson rose like an Atlantic salmon to meet Shaun Maloney's corner at the front post and flicked a looping header into the far corner against a City side who had won their first Premier League title the year before. This goal not only showcased Watson's skill but also became a pivotal moment in Wigan Athletic's FA Cup triumph.
- Youri Tielemans - Leicester v Chelsea 2021
Tielemans' goal is a display of individual brilliance and composure. With Leicester City trailing Chelsea, Tielemans received a pass inside the Chelsea half, took two touches to shift it out of his feet, and angled a bullet-like drive into Kepa Arrizabalaga's top corner. This goal not only showcased Tielemans' skill but also became a pivotal moment in Leicester City's first FA Cup triumph.
