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. In this article, I'll delve into the top 10 FA Cup final goals, ranking them based on their impact, skill, and the sheer brilliance of the moment. I'll also provide my personal commentary on each, offering a unique perspective on what makes these goals so memorable.
- Ricky Villa - Tottenham v Man City 1981
The iconic image of Ricky Villa, with his beard and billowing hair, dribbling past defenders in the replay is a testament to his skill and passion. His goal, a moment of pure adrenaline, changed his life in the English league. It's a reminder that sometimes, a little luck and a lot of heart can create a moment of pure magic.
- Steven Gerrard - Liverpool v West Ham 2006
Gerrard's goal was a belter, a moment of pure genius. Despite cramping and lactic acid, he swung his right boot at a bobbling ball 40 yards out, and it fizzed just above the turf. The skill and determination displayed in that moment are what make it so memorable. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, greatness can emerge.
- Roberto di Matteo - Chelsea v Middlesbrough 1997
Di Matteo's goal was a moment of pure elation. He surged forward, unleashed a ferocious effort that appeared to pick up speed as it cannoned into the net. The celebration, with team-mates trying to haul him back, is a testament to the joy of victory. It's a reminder that sometimes, a single moment can define a career.
- Michael Owen - Liverpool v Arsenal 2001
Owen's goal was a display of pure skill and instinct. He levelled with a smartly taken half-volley, and his winner was a masterpiece. The way he scorched across the turf, took the ball away from Tony Adams, and fired a left-footed shot inside David Seaman's post is a reminder of the beauty of the game.
- Ilkay Gundogan - Man City v Man Utd 2023
Gundogan's goal was a moment of pure precision and power. He executed his effort with perfection, lacing a ferocious, dipping strike into David de Gea's top corner. The speed and skill displayed in that moment are what make it so memorable. It's a reminder that sometimes, a single touch can define a match.
- Norman Whiteside - Man Utd v Everton 1985
Whiteside's goal was a moment of pure creativity and skill. He scrambled down the right, cut in, and with a subtle stepover, created enough room to wrap a curling effort around Pat van den Hauwe and beyond Neville Southall. The audacity and skill displayed in that moment are what make it so memorable.
- Ray Parlour - Arsenal v Chelsea 2002
Parlour's goal was a moment of pure determination and skill. With 20 minutes to go, he bounded through blue shirts to pick up Sylvain Wiltord's pass. The way he curled an effort beyond Carlo Cudicini is a reminder that sometimes, a single moment can define a season.
- Charlie George - Arsenal v Liverpool 1971
George's goal was a moment of pure instinct and skill. He played a one-two, lashed a strike beyond Ray Clemence from the edge of the box. The celebration, with his arms outstretched and his yellow kit, is a reminder of the joy of football.
- Ben Watson - Wigan v Man City 2013
Watson's goal was a moment of pure drama and skill. He rose like an Atlantic salmon to meet Shaun Maloney's corner at the front post and flick a looping header into the far corner. The shock of the win and the timing of the goal make it so memorable.
- Youri Tielemans - Leicester v Chelsea 2021
Tielemans' goal was a moment of pure brilliance and skill. He received a pass inside the Chelsea half, took two touches, and angled a bullet-like drive into Kepa Arrizabalaga's top corner. The way he sealed a first FA Cup for Leicester is a reminder that sometimes, a single moment can define a legacy.
