Thursday, March 28, 2024

FA Cup History: 3 Key Arsenal Semi-Finals

Arsenal 1 – 2 Manchester United (1999)

Embed from Getty Images

Whether you’re a lover of Arsenal or not, you simply cannot deny that this was a remarkable game of football between two sides relishing their best form.

The tie ended up being a replay at Villa Park after 90 minutes of football in the first leg didn’t produce a goal for either side.

But with the score at 1-1, and Manchester United having Roy Keane sent off, it seemed there could only be one outcome, and that was a first class trip to a Wembley final for the Gunners.

And Arsenal seemed to get their reward late on, when they were awarded a late penalty as Phil Neville brought down Ray Parlour in a rash challenge.

Dennis Bergkamp however blew the opportunity to send his side to yet another FA Cup final, as Peter Schmeichel pulled off a cracking save to deny his Netherlands counterpart.

The game soon found itself in extra time and it seemed a moment of magic was needed from either of these sides if they wanted to avoid penalties.

That moment of magic came in the form of a hairy Welshman, as Ryan Giggs scored the greatest goal of his career to date, running past countless Arsenal defenders to slot over David Seaman’s head.

Yet another game filled with controversy, and although it may not be remembered for all the right reasons through Arsenal fans eyes, it will certainly be remembered by anyone who appreciates the meaning of football.

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