The Best of All FA Cup Finals
By
Will Brown
Contributor Updated: 19 January 2025
Will Brown Contributor
William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.
FA Cup Finals
Every year, hundreds of soccer teams across London compete in one of the most exciting national tournaments on the calendar. When the tournament culminates in May, the top teams battle it out for glory in spectacular displays of skill. While all FA Cup finals are known for their high-stakes twists and turns, some games have gone down in history for their surprising results and dramatic plays. We’ve covered the best of these in this comprehensive guide.
Intro to the Best FA Cup Finals
We acknowledge that our top Finals picks are ultimately subjective, and we’re sure many readers will disagree. So before highlighting our picks for the six best FA Cup Finals, we’ve explained our reasoning behind choosing these games as the most impactful.
We’ve organized our picks in chronological order, starting with the famous Blackpool and Bolton game in 1953. The most recent game on this list culminates with the match between Arsenal and Hull, which has been immortalized for its amazing comeback ending. You can jump to each game below or scroll through to learn about them all.
- What Makes the Best FA Cup Final
- 1953: Blackpool vs Bolton
- 1979: Arsenal vs Man United
- 1987: Coventry vs Tottenham
- 1988: Liverpool vs Wimbledon
- 1990: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United
- 2014: Arsenal vs Hull
What Makes the Best FA Cup Finals
As the oldest national soccer competition in the world, the FA Cup is open to more than 700 teams. This has given the tournament great sentimental importance in England as a storied tradition. It also holds significance for the team’s annual campaigns, with winners qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.
For those who don’t know, the FA Cup is played as a knockout tournament, with teams from separate divisions facing one another in one-off matches between August and October. This leads to the Competition Proper in November, which culminates with the FA Cup finals around May each year.
While all FA Cup Finals are intensely dramatic for the teams involved and their fans, the best finals are those that deliver on all fronts—drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. Some events even have greater consequences beyond the game, whether it be in rejuvenating once-flailing teams or beginning Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at Manchester United.
1953: Blackpool vs Bolton
The 1953 FA Cup Final between Blackpool and Bolton, often referred to as the ‘Matthews Final’, has entered English soccer folklore for its dramatic turns. Bolton had taken a 3-1 lead early in the second half, and it looked like they had the game in the bag.
But then Blackpool’s Stanley Matthews, who is regarded as one of soccer’s best players, turned things around. His darting runs down the right side of the pitch caused chaos in Bolton’s defense. Assisted by Matthews, Stan Mortensen scored a hat-trick to equalize at full-time.
Another setup from Matthews resulted in a goal from Bill Perry in injury time, resulting in Blackpool beating Bolton 4-3. The game is considered one of the greatest in FA Cup finals history. It’s also a lesson to those seeking to bet on upcoming finals at sportsbooks with FA Cup betting: the game isn’t over until it’s over.
1979: Arsenal vs Man United
The 1979 Final between Arsenal and Manchester United is a match that produced several of the best FA Cup Finals moments in history. The game started in Arsenal’s favor, with the Gunners taking a 2-0 lead thanks to goals set up by Liam Brady. Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton were the scorers, and it looked like Arsenal had the game in the bag.
However, Manchester United came out fighting in the second half and pulled one back through Gordon McQueen. Then, with just minutes remaining, United equalized through Sammy McIlroy. But Arsenal wasn’t done. After a slick set-up from Brady and Graham Rix, Alex Sunderland slid it in at the back post.
The result was one of the most tense conclusions in the tournament’s history, with Arsenal winning 3-2 after a whirlwind of twists and turns. It was a game that had everything: early goals, a comeback, last-minute drama, and emerging soccer stars rising to the occasion.
1987: Coventry vs Tottenham
Another memorable entrant on this best of list of FA Cup Finals saw Coventry City pit against Tottenham Hotspur. Before the game, Coventry, who had never won a major trophy, was predicted to fold under the successful Tottenham Hotspur. The match started as expected, with Clive Allen heading a goal for Spurs just two minutes into the game.
But Coventry didn’t give up, and Dave Bennett soon equalized, setting the stage for a thrilling match. Tottenham regained the lead when Gary Mabbutt scored, and it seemed like Spurs were, once again, on track to victory. However, after an hour of gameplay, Bennett delivered a cross that found Keith Houchen, who scored with a diving header.
The goal remains one of the most iconic in the tournament’s history. In extra-time, Spurs’ Mabbutt accidentally engineers his team’s demise by deflecting a kick into the team’s net. The crushing event handed Coventry a historic 3-2 win and their only major trophy to date.
1988: Liverpool vs Wimbledon
Of all FA Cup Finals, this game is perhaps known for resulting in one of the greatest upsets in football history. Liverpool was the heavy favorite and was expected to easily win over Wimbledon, a Second Division team. But showing their true underdog grit, Wimbledon played with vigor.
Wimbledon took the lead in the first half when Lawrie Sanchez headed home a Dennis Wise free kick. Liverpool had a golden opportunity to equalize in the second half, but Wimbledon’s goalkeeper, Dave Beasant, became the first keeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup Final at Wembley.
As the final whistle blew and Wimbledon completed one of the best FA Cup runs ever, BBC commentator John Motson famously roared, “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club.” It was a David vs Goliath story that captured the imagination of soccer fans around the world. Let’s hope the next soccer World Cup produces a similar result for host nation team USA.
1990: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United
There are few FA Cup Finals that are as consequential as the game between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Before the game, Manchester United was favored to win, with their rivals making their first-ever FA Cup final appearance. But quickly, Palace took a shock lead through Gary O’Reilly, only for Bryan Robson to equalize.
Mark Hughes then put United ahead, before Palace’s Ian Wright, came off as a substitute to score twice, giving the team the lead. Hughes kicked a late equalizer to bring the game to a 3-3 draw. A replay was forced, and United ultimately prevailed 1-0 thanks to a Lee Martin goal.
The game was so consequential because it gave the first trophy to iconic manager Alex Ferguson during his run with the team. Before the game, the team hadn’t finished well for several seasons, and Ferguson could have faced the chop. His win began a golden era for the club, and United would go on to win 13 EPL titles and five FA Cups under Ferguson.
2014: Arsenal vs Hull
Our last game and most recent on this list is the 2014 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Hull City, chosen so because it shocked even the most seasoned spectators. The game exploded into action, with Hull City scoring a shocking two goals within the first eight minutes.
It was clear to see that Arsenal was stunned, with the realization dawning that their nine-year trophy drought was going to continue. However, with a skillful 30-yard free-kick goal from Santi Cazorla, the team clawed back. Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny then equalized setting the stage for extra-time.
In the 109th minute, Aaron Ramsey completed the comeback, scoring with a drilled shot from the edge of the penalty box. Arsenal won 3-2, ending their long wait for a trophy and securing a joint-record 11th FA Cup victory for the team. Today, Arsenal holds 14 FA Cup titles, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
