The FA Cup, football’s oldest knockout competition, is known for its legendary upsets, where lower-league clubs achieve the unthinkable by defeating Premier League giants. These shocks often fuel the “magic of the FA Cup” narrative, a concept that remains alive each season, with minnows daring to dream of giant-killing glory. In this blog, we revisit ten of the most memorable and unexpected FA Cup upsets involving top-tier teams, demonstrating how anything can happen in this beloved competition.

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

The quintessential FA Cup upset occurred in 1972 when non-league Hereford United pulled off an extraordinary victory against First Division powerhouse Newcastle United. After a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park, Hereford hosted the replay on a waterlogged pitch, making conditions difficult. Newcastle took the lead with a late goal from Malcolm Macdonald, but Hereford responded with one of the most iconic goals in FA Cup history. Ronnie Radford’s thunderous 30-yard strike in the 60th minute leveled the score, prompting a massive pitch invasion. In extra time, Ricky George scored the winner, cementing Hereford’s place in FA Cup folklore and showcasing the spirit of the competition. This upset remains a symbol of the unpredictable magic that defines the FA Cup.

2. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (1992)

In 1992, the FA Cup saw a huge shock when Wrexham, bottom of the Fourth Division, knocked out reigning champions Arsenal in the third round. The Gunners, led by George Graham, were heavy favorites but found themselves stunned by Wrexham’s resilience. Alan Smith gave Arsenal the lead, but Wrexham equalized through Mickey Thomas with a stunning free-kick in the 80th minute. Moments later, Steve Watkin scored a header to seal a famous 2-1 win for the Welsh side. For Wrexham, this win over the top-flight champions remains one of the greatest achievements in the club’s history, a testament to the magic of the cup.

3. Sunderland 1-0 Leeds United (1973)

Leeds United were one of the most dominant teams in English football during the early 1970s. Managed by Don Revie, they were favorites to win the FA Cup in 1973, but Sunderland, then in the Second Division, had other ideas. In an iconic final, Sunderland’s Ian Porterfield scored the only goal of the match, leading them to a 1-0 victory. The win was all the more impressive considering Sunderland were playing outside the top tier, and their goalkeeper, Jimmy Montgomery, made a string of crucial saves to deny Leeds. Sunderland’s triumph remains one of the most significant upsets in FA Cup history.

4. Manchester United 0-1 Leeds United (2010)

In January 2010, Leeds United pulled off one of the most memorable FA Cup upsets in recent history when they defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the third round. At the time, Leeds were a League One side, sitting two divisions below their Premier League counterparts. The odds were stacked against them, but they delivered a performance for the ages. The only goal of the match came in the 19th minute, when Jermaine Beckford latched onto a pass from Jonny Howson and calmly slotted the ball past Man United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. Despite a late surge from Manchester United, Leeds held firm, with goalkeeper Casper Ankergren pulling off crucial saves to preserve the lead. The victory was a historic moment for Leeds, ending a 28-year wait for a win at Old Trafford and sending shockwaves through English football.

5. Stoke City 2-3 Blyth Spartans (1978)

Blyth Spartans, a non-league team, pulled off one of the most famous upsets in FA Cup history when they defeated Stoke City 3-2 in 1978. Stoke, who had been playing in the top tier of English football, were expected to progress easily, but Blyth were determined. After falling behind 2-1 with goals from Viv Busby and Garth Crooks, Blyth mounted a dramatic comeback. Steve Carney’s equalizer and Terry Johnson’s late volley completed the fairy-tale ending for Blyth, securing a famous victory. This win is considered one of the greatest giant killings in the FA Cup’s storied history.

6. Liverpool 0-1 Wimbledon (1988)

In 1988, Wimbledon, then a Division Two club, pulled off one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history by defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the final. Liverpool, managed by Kenny Dalglish, were the dominant force in English football, having won the First Division title that year. However, Wimbledon, led by Bobby Gould, defied the odds. Lawrie Sanchez’s header gave the Dons the lead in the first half, and despite Liverpool’s attempts to respond, Wimbledon held firm. The match was capped off by a legendary save from goalkeeper Dave Beasant, who denied John Aldridge’s penalty attempt, making Wimbledon’s victory even sweeter. This upset remains one of the most memorable finals in the competition.

7. Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic (2013)

The 2013 FA Cup final provided one of the greatest shocks when Wigan Athletic, a team battling relegation from the Premier League, defeated Manchester City 1-0. City, managed by Roberto Mancini, were favorites, having recently won the Premier League, and were expected to add the FA Cup to their trophy cabinet. However, Wigan had other ideas. After a second-half red card for City’s Pablo Zabaleta, Ben Watson scored a dramatic header in the final minute to secure Wigan’s first-ever FA Cup victory. Wigan’s win was a stunning achievement, and while they were relegated shortly afterward, their cup victory is remembered as a true underdog triumph.

8. Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City (2015)

In 2015, League One side Bradford City produced one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in recent memory by defeating Premier League leaders Chelsea 4-2 in a fourth-round clash at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, managed by José Mourinho, were 2-0 up at half-time, but Bradford mounted a remarkable comeback. Goals from Jon Stead, Felipe Morais, and Andy Halliday brought Bradford level before Stead set up Mark Yeates for a stunning stoppage-time winner. Bradford’s shock victory was a perfect example of the magic of the FA Cup, where anything can happen, no matter how unlikely.

9. Oldham Athletic 3-2 Liverpool (2013)

Liverpool, featuring players like Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge, were stunned by Oldham Athletic in the fourth round of the 2013 FA Cup. Oldham, then in League One, went ahead 2-1 thanks to a brace from Matt Smith, with a solo goal from Suárez providing Liverpool’s only response. Despite a late rally, including a near-miss from Steven Gerrard, Oldham held on for a famous 3-2 win. This result remains one of the most shocking FA Cup upsets in recent history, as Liverpool were overwhelming favorites.

10. Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle United (2011)

In 2011, Stevenage, a League Two side, stunned Premier League Newcastle United 3-1 in the FA Cup third round. Newcastle’s failure to contain Stevenage was compounded by a red card for Cheick Tiote and a long-range strike from Joey Barton, which gave the visitors some hope. However, Stevenage held firm and sealed the win with a late goal from Peter Winn. Although Stevenage were eliminated in the next round, their victory over Newcastle remains a standout moment in FA Cup history.

Conclusion

The FA Cup continues to produce moments of drama and excitement, with underdogs defying the odds to triumph over Premier League giants. From Hereford’s famous victory over Newcastle to Wigan’s shock final win over Manchester City, these upsets demonstrate the unpredictable nature of the competition. Each of these matches captures the essence of the “magic of the FA Cup,” where anything can happen, and the improbable becomes possible. Whether in the early rounds or the final, these moments of giant killing are part of what makes the FA Cup so special and so loved by football fans around the world.