Pies counters yesterday’s boring FA Cup finals with some of the greatest finals.
1. Liverpool 3-3 West Ham (Liverpool won 3-1 on penalties), 2006
An incredible game from start to finish, from the Hammers rushing into a two-goal lead to Steven Gerrard, almost unable to run because of cramp, lashing home a spectacular last-minute equaliser.
2. Manchester United 3-3 Crystal Palace, 1990
Super-sub Ian Wright came off the bench to get Palace back in this final and take the game to extra time. He then gave the Eagles a 2-3 lead in the additional period. But Mark Hughes scored his second of the game with seven minutes to go to ruin the underdogs’ day. United shaded the replay 1-0.
3. Liverpool 0-1 Wimbledon, 1988
One of the great FA Cup final upsets of all time. Lawrie Sanchez’s first-half header was enough to give the Dons victory, thanks in no small part to Dave Beasant’s penalty save from John Aldridge.
4. Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal, 2001
Arsenal dominated this final and seemed to have it wrapped up when Freddie Ljungberg gave them a 72nd minute lead. The headlines – and the cup – were stolen by mischievous Little Mickey Owen who popped up with two goals in the last ten minutes.
5. Coventry 3-2 Tottenham, 1987
The tale of Keith Houchen’s diving header and Gary Mabbutt’s knee. Outsiders Coventry twice came from a goal down and won their first – and to date only – FA Cup when Mabbutt scored an own goal deep into stoppage time.
6. Sunderland 1-0 Leeds, 1971
The 250/1 cup outsiders beat the household names of high-flying Leeds (how times have changed). Ian Porterfield scored the only goal of the game, but it is the heroic display from Sunderland keeper Jim Montgomery to keep Leeds at bay that has gone down in FA Cup folklore.