Discover the greatest FA Cup upsets in history, where underdogs defeated football giants and created legendary moments in England’s oldest competition.

Underdogs Who Stunned Giants in the FA Cup

The FA Cup is famous for its unpredictability, drama, and the possibility of giant-killing – where smaller teams defeat top clubs against all odds. Unlike league competitions, where consistency matters most, the FA Cup is a knockout tournament where a single game can rewrite history.

Over the years, underdogs have shocked football giants, proving that anything is possible in the world’s oldest club competition. These upsets are what make the FA Cup so special, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

In this article, we take a look at some of the biggest FA Cup shocks ever recorded and how these incredible moments changed English football forever.

1. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (1992) – A Fourth Division Shock

Arsenal entered the 1992 FA Cup third round as one of England’s strongest teams, having won the league in 1991. Meanwhile, Wrexham, a Fourth Division side, finished the previous season at the bottom of the Football League.

🔹 What Happened?
Arsenal took the lead through Alan Smith, and it looked like an easy win. However, Wrexham equalized through Mickey Thomas, and moments later, Steve Watkin scored the winning goal, completing one of the greatest FA Cup shocks ever.

🔹 Why It Was Special?
✔️ Arsenal were league champions, while Wrexham were one of the lowest-ranked clubs in the competition.
✔️ The game is still regarded as one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history.
✔️ Wrexham’s victory remains one of the club’s greatest achievements.

2. Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United (1972) – The Ronnie Radford Goal

Newcastle United were a top-flight team with a strong squad when they faced Southern League side Hereford United in a third-round replay in 1972.

🔹 What Happened?
Newcastle took the lead, but then came one of the most iconic goals in FA Cup history – Ronnie Radford’s stunning 30-yard strike to equalize. In extra time, Ricky George scored the winner, sending Hereford through in an unbelievable upset.

🔹 Why It Was Special?
✔️ The match produced one of the most famous goals ever scored in the FA Cup.
✔️ Hereford were a non-league side, beating a top-tier club.
✔️ The result showed why the magic of the FA Cup is unmatched in football.

3. Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City (1989) – A Non-League Miracle

Coventry City had won the FA Cup just two years earlier in 1987, so when they faced non-league Sutton United in the third round in 1989, nobody expected an upset.

🔹 What Happened?
Sutton United, playing in the Conference League, stunned Coventry with goals from Tony Rains and Matthew Hanlan, securing an incredible 2-1 victory.

🔹 Why It Was Special?
✔️ A non-league team defeated a club that had won the FA Cup just two years prior.
✔️ Sutton became the last non-league club to knock out a top-flight team in the FA Cup until 2013.
✔️ The match became a defining moment in Sutton United’s history.

4. Bradford City 4-2 Chelsea (2015) – A Premier League Giant Falls

Chelsea, under José Mourinho, were at the top of the Premier League and were expected to dominate against League One side Bradford City in the fourth round of the 2014-15 FA Cup.

🔹 What Happened?
Chelsea took a 2-0 lead, and the game seemed over. However, Bradford responded with four unanswered goals, completing one of the greatest comebacks in FA Cup history.

🔹 Why It Was Special?
✔️ Chelsea were the Premier League leaders, while Bradford were a third-tier club.
✔️ Mourinho had never lost to lower-league opposition before.
✔️ The comeback from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at Stamford Bridge made it one of the best FA Cup upsets ever.

5. Lincoln City 1-0 Burnley (2017) – Non-League Team in the Quarterfinals

Lincoln City became the first non-league side in over 100 years to reach the FA Cup quarterfinals after defeating Premier League team Burnley in the fifth round.

🔹 What Happened?
Lincoln, from the National League, held Burnley scoreless for 89 minutes before Sean Raggett’s late header sealed an incredible victory.

🔹 Why It Was Special?
✔️ Lincoln became the first non-league club to reach the FA Cup quarterfinals since 1914.
✔️ The victory proved that smaller clubs can still compete with the best.
✔️ The result inspired non-league teams across the country.

6. Manchester United 0-1 Leeds United (2010) – A Rivalry Rekindled

Leeds United were in League One when they faced Premier League giants Manchester United at Old Trafford in the third round of the 2010 FA Cup.

🔹 What Happened?
A first-half goal from Jermaine Beckford was enough for Leeds to secure a famous victory. Manchester United, despite having stars like Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, failed to break down Leeds’ defense.

🔹 Why It Was Special?
✔️ Leeds were a third-tier team, beating a Sir Alex Ferguson-led Manchester United.
✔️ It was United’s first third-round FA Cup exit under Ferguson.
✔️ The victory revived the famous rivalry between the two clubs.

7. Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Everton (2003) – A Shock for David Moyes

Everton, managed by David Moyes, faced Shrewsbury Town, a Third Division club, in the 2003 FA Cup third round.

🔹 What Happened?
Former Everton player Kevin Ratcliffe, managing Shrewsbury, led his team to an unexpected 2-1 win, with Nigel Jemson scoring twice.

🔹 Why It Was Special?
✔️ Shrewsbury were a Third Division side, beating a Premier League club.
✔️ The victory was led by an ex-Everton captain, making it even more dramatic.
✔️ Everton, one of England’s biggest clubs, suffered an embarrassing early exit.

Conclusion: The Magic of the FA Cup Lives On

These unforgettable moments prove that the FA Cup remains one of the most magical football competitions. Whether it’s a non-league team shocking a Premier League giant or a lower-division side eliminating a top club, the FA Cup always delivers unforgettable surprises.

Which FA Cup upset do you remember the most? Share your thoughts and continue to support EW8, the greatest sport in the world! ⚽🔥

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