The FA Cup has had some classic games and great goals. The best FA Cup goals are the goals scored in the final and semi-finals. These are a few of the best FA Cup goals scored in England’s flagship cup.
In the 1981 FA Cup final, Man City took on Tottenham. After a 1–1 draw in the first leg, the teams played a replay at the Twin Towers. The game was level at 2–2 with just over 15 minutes to play. Then the ball was played to Villa, who ran with the ball from outside the box, dribbling past a couple of Spurs players. In the penalty box, Villa cut inside and drilled the ball into the back of the Man City net. The goal sealed a 3–2 victory for Tottenham in that final.
The 2006 FA Cup final included Liverpool and West Ham. Liverpool were on the ropes for much of the game as West Ham established a two-goal lead before halftime. The Reds pulled two goals back before a third goal for the Hammers seemingly clinched victory. With just a few minutes to play, the ball was headed out to Gerrard. With a 35-yard strike, the ball flew into the back of West Ham’s net to make the score 3–3. As Liverpool later went on to win the game on penalties, it was effectively a winning goal.
One great goal, not scored in the final, came in the third round when Arsenal took on Sunderland in an FA Cup replay. Bergkamp picked up the ball just outside Sunderland’s half. With a double-drag back, the forward played the ball just within Sunderland’s penalty box, to the left of their goal. With a sublime chip from some distance, the ball beat the keeper at the top right of Sunderland’s post. The goal set Arsenal up for a 2–0 victory in the FA Cup match. Had it been scored in the final, it would probably be a more famous goal.
In the 1985 final, Manchester United took on a great Everton team. After 90 minutes, the game remained 0–0. In the extra-time period, Whiteside picked up the ball on the right side of the pitch and ran to the Everton penalty box. Whiteside’s strike from the right side of the box sent the ball flying toward the left side of Everton’s goal and put Utd 1–0. A terrific strike won the FA Cup for Man Utd.
Coventry took on Tottenham in the 1987 FA Cup final. After the first half, the Spurs led 2–1. In the second half, the ball was played to Bennet, and then a pinpoint cross from the right met Houchen. The striker headed the ball into the back of the net with a great diving header. The goal made the scoreline 2–2, and Coventry later scored a third to seal a 3–2 victory.
Those were a few of the FA Cup’s golden goals. Five of the best FA cup goals in history that won some classic games in the final and earlier rounds. Goals like those make the FA Cup worth watching.
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