Great FA Cup Finals - Arsenal Vs Manchester United

The FA (Football Association) Cup Final played at Wembley Stadium on May 12th 1979, was between Arsenal and Manchester United. After Arsenal had taken a comfortable lead in the game the result seemed to be inevitable, but three goals in the last five minutes of the game made it one of the most exciting ever FA Cup Finals.

The 1978-79 league season had seen Arsenal finish in 7th place in the First Division while Manchester United finished in 9th position, with just three points between the two teams. The league fixtures had seen Arsenal win comfortably 3-0 in their home fixture and in the second fixture the teams fought out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Arsenal began the game well and after only 12 minutes Liam Brady sent a long pass to Frank Stapleton, who would later go onto sign for United, who made a quick pass into the penalty area where Brian Talbot, who was a cup winner with Ipswich the previous year, scored to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

Manchester United reacted well to the goal and instead of sitting back, they pushed forward and played the better football for most of the first half, however, just before half time Liam Brady was on hand again this time providing a perfect cross for Stapleton to head the ball past Gary Bailey in the United goal, to give Arsenal a 2-0 half time lead.

The second half was fairly non-descript, and Arsenal seemed to be cruising to victory, then in the 85th minute of the game Gordon McQueen scored scrambled goal for Manchester United following a free kick, and many thought this would just be a consolation goal. Two minutes later, following an amazing run with the ball, Sammy McIlroy scored for United to level the scores at 2-2, the cup appeared to have slipped from Arsenal's grasp as elation turned to despair for the Gunners.

As the game headed towards extra-time and in an amazing final twist, Liam Brady again set the game alight by running down the left wing and crossing the ball for Alan Sunderland to score an 89th minute winner for Arsenal.

The last five minutes of the game proved to the most exciting of any FA Cup final, and many still refer to the game as "The Five Minute Final" as Arsenal claimed an incredible 3-2 victory.

Steve Goodwin is an expert author, football fan and retailer of football gifts from the English Premier League, available from the football shop and all items are available to ship worldwide.

My Links : Best Shoes Teacher Training Yoga Concert Stickets Cheap