The world-famous FA Cup final is upon us again. Every year, fans hope for a classic game with great goals. More often than not, the final is a tight affair with little to separate the two teams. When this is the case it can take something special to break down a stubborn defence. Here is a look back at just five of those special moments that have gone down in history as FA Cup final wonder goals.
FA Cup Final: Five Wonder Goals
1982: Steve McKenzie for Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
A great goal by a teenager in the cup final would normally be front and back page headlines; however, unluckily for Steve McKenzie, his wonder strike for Manchester City was overshadowed by what would come later in the same game. The 100th FA Cup final went to a replay following a 1-1 draw and the second match produced some moments of magic, including this often forgotten classic.
Spurs took an early lead in the game but just three minutes later, the equaliser came. A free-kick into the box was headed out to the edge of the penalty box, City’s veteran Tommy Hutchinson knocked the ball towards the 19-year-old McKenzie who unleashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner.
Usually, this wonder strike would have had everyone talking about it for many years; however, a goal that came later in the game has meant that McKenzie’s goal has sadly been largely forgotten amongst the memories of cup final wonder goals.
1982: Ricky Villa for Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City
The goal everyone still talks about to this day, and undoubtedly will do for many years to come. This famous match-winner has overshadowed the other great strike in this memorable FA Cup final replay. With just six minutes remaining, Tottenham’s Ricky Villa, produced a moment of magic to win the game 3-2.
Villa collected the ball inside the City half and proceeded to go on a mazy dribble, beating City man after City man. Eight yards out from goal with the goalkeeper rushing towards him and screams of “shoot” filling the famous stadium, Villa calmly put the ball into the net to win the cup for Spurs. In 2001 it was named Wembley goal of the century.
1987: Keith Houchen for Coventry City v Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs went into this final as overwhelming favourites against a Coventry side playing in their first final. Although Spurs led twice, this classic header from Sky Blues striker Keith Houchen set his team up for an unexpected victory.
In an end to end game, Spurs held a 2-1 lead midway through the second half. What came next, few expected. A long ball forward by the City keeper was headed on by Cyrill Regis to Houchen who played the ball out to the right-wing. In the meantime, Houchen had made his way into the Spurs penalty box. When the cross was delivered Houchen launched himself and connected with a diving header to give the Spurs keeper Ray Clemence no chance.
The goal was enough to take the game into extra time where Coventry, following their well worked and cup final classic goal, had luck on their side. An own goal by Tottenham defender Gary Mabbutt saw the underdogs lift the FA Cup for the first and only time.
1991: Stuart Pearce for Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham and classic cup final goals appear to go hand in hand; however, most go against them. This thunderbolt of a freekick from Nottingham Forest and England left-back Stuart Pearce will be replayed for years to come, for two reasons.
The first is the challenge that brought the free-kick. It was the infamous challenge by Paul Gascoigne that damaged his knee ligaments, keeping him out of the game for almost a year. The second was the punishment by Pearce from the resulting free-kick. Pearce was known as a dead ball specialist who could strike a ball with ferocious power. However, few were expecting the goal which Pearce produced.
With the ball just outside of the penalty area and a Spurs wall in the way, it would take something special for Pearce to score. But something special was what he produced. Hitting the ball with such power that it went through the wall and into the top corner before the Spurs goalkeeper could move.
Spurs, without Gascoigne, came back into the game and eventually won the cup 2-1 following extra-time.
2006: Steven Gerrard for Liverpool v West Ham United
In an already classic FA Cup final, one player would make sure that it would be remembered for him. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard scored twice in the game, with his second, one of, if not the best strikes seen in a final.
West Ham had taken a two-goal lead but Gerrard helped drag his team back into the game at 2-2. With many believing the momentum was with the Reds and victory was coming, the Hammers scored. With time disappearing it appeared that West Ham’s name was on the cup. Steven Gerrard, in added-on time, had different ideas.
Liverpool were putting everything into an equaliser but with 91 minutes played, the Hammers defence was standing firm. A long ball into the box was again cleared, it fell to Gerrard 35 yards out from goal who hit it instantly on the volley. The ball rocketed past the United keeper as it went into the corner of the goal.
Gerrard’s unbelievable strike took the game into extra time and eventually penalties which were won by Liverpool. Had it not been for Gerrard’s confidence and striking ability, West Ham would have walked away with the cup.
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