Famous FA Cup: Biggest Upsets

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Jan 09, 2025

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Famous FA Cup: Biggest Upsets

The FA Cup, a competition steeped in history and tradition, is renowned for its ability to produce shocks and surprises. While the giants of English football often dominate, the magic of the cup lies in the potential for minnows to slay giants. This article delves into some of the most memorable and significant FA Cup upsets, highlighting the underdogs who defied the odds and etched their names into football folklore.

Defining an FA Cup Upset

Before we delve into specific matches, let's establish what constitutes a "big" upset. Several factors contribute:

• League Difference: A significant disparity in league standings between the two teams involved. A non-league team beating a Premier League side is the quintessential example.
• Reputation and History: A victory by a team with a much less illustrious history against a club with a long and successful record amplifies the surprise.
• Match Context: The stage of the competition also plays a role. An upset in the early rounds is impressive, but a lower-league team reaching the later stages or even winning the whole thing is truly exceptional.

Iconic FA Cup Upsets:

1. Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United (1972)

This match remains arguably the most famous FA Cup upset. Fourth Division Hereford, managed by the legendary John Tudor, faced First Division Newcastle. Ronnie Radford's stunning long-range goal is forever etched in FA Cup history, along with Ricky George's late winner. This victory epitomizes the romanticism of the competition.

2. Wimbledon 1-0 Liverpool (1988)

"The Crazy Gang" of Wimbledon, under the charismatic management of Dave Bassett, shocked the football world by defeating Liverpool, then one of Europe's leading teams. The victory, fueled by a determined and combative display, showcased Wimbledon's unwavering spirit and tactical acumen against a superior opponent.

3. Yeovil Town 2-1 Manchester United (2007)

This fourth round upset saw League One Yeovil pull off a monumental victory against Manchester United, then managed by Sir Alex Ferguson. While not as shocking in terms of league disparity as some others on the list, the nature of the defeat—against a team expected to cruise through the tournament—made it a considerable upset at the time.

4. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (2007)

Another fourth round upset from the same year, Wrexham, a team from the lower leagues, displayed remarkable resilience and attacking prowess to overcome a highly-rated Arsenal side. The victory against the then Premier League giants underlined the unpredictability of the FA Cup.

5. Sutton United 2-1 Arsenal (2017)

This more recent upset showcased a similar story of a lower-league team displaying remarkable resolve and tactical awareness to defeat a top-flight team. Sutton United's performance against a team with higher technical quality highlighted the power of organization and determination in cup competitions.

The Enduring Appeal of FA Cup Upsets

These upsets, and countless others throughout the FA Cup's history, demonstrate that anything is possible. They highlight the beauty of the competition, where the underdog can challenge the established order and create unforgettable moments. The magic of the cup remains alive and well because of these moments, cementing the FA Cup's status as one of the most unique and exciting football tournaments in the world. It's a competition where dreams are realized, and legends are born, often against all the odds.