Ryan Giggs’ goal against Arsenal in 1999 crowned greatest in FA Cup history | Football | Sport
Ryan Giggs’ dazzling solo goal against Arsenal in 1999 has been voted the greatest moment in FA Cup history. The Man United winger weaved through four defenders before defeating keeper David Seaman to clinch a 2-1 win which sent Man United into the semi-final.
It topped the poll of 2,000 fans ahead of Wimbledon’s defeat of Liverpool in the 1988 final, followed by Leicester’s feel-good win of their first ever-cup in 2021. Other iconic moments include Paul Gascoigne’s stunning free kick against Arsenal in 1991, Wigan’s win over Man City in 2013, and Chelsea’s victory in the first final at the new Wembley against Manchester United.
Jake Ashton for OLBG, which commissioned the research, said: “Fans talk about the magic of the cup and with good reason. Just recently we saw some more history being made when Macclesfield knocked out the holders, Crystal Palace – showing there is plenty of life in the tournament.
“Some of these moments really did make your jaw drop, whether they were stunning results, giant killings or individual goals.”
Apart from Giggs’ wonder-strike, the highest-ranking goals in the list were Michael Owen’s sensational double in 2001 which snatched the cup for Liverpool from Arsenal.
While Steven Gerrard’s stunning long-range equaliser, also for Liverpool, against West Ham in the 2006 final, placed 12th in the top 20 list.
More than half (56%) of respondents put the FA Cup as their favourite cup competition, and three quarters of football fans will be making a special effort to watch the final this year.
The greatest things about the tournament are the upsets (34%), the chance for smaller clubs to shine (33%) and the unpredictability (26%). A fifth also love a chance to sit back and watch lower-league sides fight it on TV, when they might not normally be on.
What’s more, the 1990s was considred the decade when the FA Cup was at its peak.
Jake Ashton added: “Naysayers will talk about the magic of the cup diminishing, but this survey shows there’s life in the old tournament yet.
“Here’s hoping there’s lots more exciting twists and turns to come as the FA Cup reaches its final stages leading up to the final.”
