Ryan Giggs' goal against Arsenal in 1999 has been voted the greatest moment in FA Cup history in a poll of 2,000 fans
Ryan Giggs celebrates scoring a magnificent winning goal for United as they defeat Arsenal 2-1 in extra time during the 1999 FA Cup Semifinal Replay on April 14th, 1999 at Villa Park.
Ryan Giggs takes the top spot as football fans share their favourite FA Cup moments(Image: Matthew Peters, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Ryan Giggs' goal against Arsenal in 1999 has been crowned the greatest moment in FA Cup history. The Man United winger danced past four defenders before beating keeper David Seaman to secure a 2-1 victory, propelling 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."
Aside from Giggs' wonder-strike, the highest-ranking goals in the list were Michael Owen's sensational double in 2001 which clinched the cup for Liverpool from Arsenal. While Steven Gerrard's long-range equaliser, also for Liverpool, against West Ham in the 2006 final, placed 12th in the top 20 list.
Over half (56%) of those surveyed named the FA Cup as their top cup competition, with three-quarters of football supporters planning to make a particular effort to tune in for this year's final.
The tournament's greatest appeals include the shock results (34%), opportunities for smaller teams to make their mark (33%), and its unpredictable nature (26%).
One in five fans also relish the opportunity to watch lower-league teams battle it out on television when they wouldn't typically get such coverage. What's more, the 1990s was considered 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."
THE TOP 20 MOST MEMORABLE FA CUP MOMENTS:
Ryan Giggs’ solo wonder goal v Arsenal (semi‑final replay, 1999)
Wimbledon’s “Crazy Gang” upset Liverpool (1988)
Leicester beat Chelsea to win first FA Cup (2021)
Michael Owen’s late double for Liverpool v Arsenal (2001)
Paul Gascoigne’s stunning free‑kick v Arsenal (semi‑final, 1991)
Arsenal’s “five‑minute final” comeback v Man United (1979)
Arsenal win first FA Cup final decided by penalties v Man United (2005)
Chelsea win first final at new Wembley; Drogba in extra time v Man United (2007)
Eric Cantona scores two penalties; Man United dominate the final (1994)
Wigan stun Man City; Ben Watson’s late header (2013)
Gerrard’s injury-time equaliser v West Ham (2006)
Arsenal come from 0–2 down to beat Hull 3–2 after extra time (2014)
Bert Trautmann plays on with a broken neck; Man City win (1956)
Sunderland upset Leeds at Wembley (1973)
Matthews inspires Blackpool comeback (“Matthews Final”, 1953)
Chelsea beat Leeds in a muddy, ferocious replay (1970)
Lincoln City become first non‑league quarter‑finalists in over a century (2017)
Gazza injured; Spurs beat Nottingham Forest in extra time (1991)
Southampton upset Man United; Bobby Stokes winner (1976)