Ranking of Classic FA Cup Finals in the 21st Century-1

The FA Cup Final has always been one of the most traditional stages in English football.

       Since the start of the 21st century, the tournament has produced many classic moments, as well as some matches that were dull but historically significant. From clashes between top clubs to underdog comebacks, from penalty shootouts to last-minute equalizers in stoppage time, every final has left its own unique mark. If one were to select the most iconic FA Cup final of this century, the 2006 clash between Liverpool and West Ham United remains hard to surpass. That match came to be known by many fans as “Gerrard’s Final,” for a very simple reason: Steven Gerrard single-handedly turned the tide of the game.

      That goal not only forced the match into extra time but also completely shifted the psychological momentum of both teams. In the penalty shootout, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina delivered a stellar performance, ultimately helping his team lift the trophy. For neutral fans, this match had nearly every element required for a classic final: goals, suspense, a last-minute equalizer, a heroic performance, and a penalty shootout.

 A similar story unfolded in 2021. Leicester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 to win their first FA Cup title. Tielemans scored a stunning long-range strike, while Schmeichel made several crucial saves in the closing stages. For Leicester City, this was not just a trophy; it was a pivotal moment for the club to prove itself once again following their Premier League miracle.

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     Manchester United has also had its share of memorable FA Cup finals this century. In 2016, United defeated Crystal Palace 2-1, with Lingard scoring a spectacular volley in extra time. Although news of Van Gaal’s departure broke shortly after the match, the final itself was a highly dramatic affair.
• 　The 2024 Manchester Derby final is equally worth noting. Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-1, with goals from Garnacho and Meno helping the team pull off an upset victory. In that match, United displayed rare discipline and efficiency, temporarily relieving the immense pressure on Ten Hag.　
•     In contrast, while Manchester City have been a dominant force in recent years, their memories of FA Cup finals are not all positive. In 2011, Manchester City defeated Stoke City 1-0, ending a long title drought; this victory marked a significant turning point in the club’s new era. In 2019, City thrashed Watford 6-0 to complete the domestic treble, but because the match lost its suspense too early, it was actually less entertaining for neutral fans than some of the more unpredictable finals.

• 　 Looking at FA Cup finals since 2000, Liverpool, West Ham United, Wigan, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United have all contributed classic moments in different years. In particular, the 2006 clash between Liverpool and West Ham United is still regarded as the benchmark for modern FA Cup finals.The FA Cup is significant precisely because it allows teams of different tiers, backgrounds, and fortunes to create their own stories on the same stage. Powerhouses can demonstrate their dominance, while underdogs can pull off miracles. For this very reason, even though the Premier League and the Champions League command greater commercial attention, the FA Cup final retains a unique emotional value.