The last five teams to lift the FA Cup for the first time | OneFootball

This weekend, Crystal Palace have the opportunity to lift the FA Cup for the first time in their 119-year history.

Standing between the Eagles and glory is Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The Cityzens will be aiming to make amends for last season’s final loss to fierce rivals Manchester United.

Palace will be hoping it’s a case of third time’s the charm, after falling short at the final hurdle on two previous occasions.

Ahead of tomorrow’s final, let’s look back at the teams Palace will be trying to emulate to lift the trophy for the first time at Wembley.

The last five teams to lift the FA Cup for the first time

Leicester City (2020/21)

The Foxes’ fairytale period continued with FA Cup success back in 2021.

Just five years after famously winning the Premier League, Leicester recorded their maiden FA Cup triumph at Chelsea’s expense.

Youri Tielemans’ stunning long-range strike was the difference in the capital, as the Belgian found the top corner from 30 yards out. Unfortunately, the moment of magic was only witnessed by 20,000 fans in the stadium, due to restrictions imposed by the government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The dying embers were steeped in controversy, as former Leicester defender Ben Chilwell’s late equaliser was disallowed by VAR. Replays showed the Englishman was marginally offside, and Leicester were given a crucial reprieve.

Minutes later, Michael Oliver blew his whistle for the final time to crown Brendan Rodgers and his players the winners of the 140th edition of the world’s oldest cup competition.

Wigan Athletic (2012/13)

Palace will be dreaming of following in Wigan’s footsteps and causing an upset over Manchester City in the final.

The Latics defied the odds in 2013 to defeat the reigning Premier League champions under the Wembley arch.

It was the battle of the two Robertos in the dugout – Mancini vs Martinez.

Admittedly, Wigan’s chances were increased by Pablo Zabaleta’s 84th-minute dismissal. The Argentine defender became only the third player to be brandished a red card in an FA Cup final.

After Mancini’s side failed to find a breakthrough, Ben Watson immortalised himself in Wigan Athletic folklore with a soaring header past Joe Hart.

Pandemonium ensued, with disbelief from both sets of supporters. Their story was made even more remarkable following their relegation from the top-flight the subsequent week.

It remains the only instance of that bizarre set of circumstances. And yes, it did mean Wigan were competing in the Europa League while simultaneously battling it out in the EFL Championship.

Wimbledon (1987/88)

Fabled as the ‘Crazy Gang’, Wimbledon lifted the prestigious trophy aloft at the old Wembley Stadium.

It is arguably the most famous upset in the competition’s history, as Bobby Gould’s side overcame the newly crowned champions Liverpool.

Lawrie Sanchez was the hero for the Dons as his header sank the favourites. Captain Dave Beasant also achieved heroic status as he became the first player to save a penalty in a cup final by denying John Aldridge from 12 yards.

Beasant also became only the second goalkeeper to captain a winning side, over a century after Royal Engineers’ Major William Merriman in 1875.

The outcome of the match was shocking. At the time, Wimbledon had only competed in the Football League for 11 years.

Legendary reporter John Motson’s description has become one of the most famous pieces of commentary in English football history.

“The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club.”

Coventry City (1986/87)

Wimbledon drew inspiration from Coventry City, who, 12 months prior, pulled off an upset of their own to win the competition for the first time.

The Sky Blues became the first team to conquer Tottenham Hotspur in an FA Cup final after eight teams had tried and failed.

Coventry required extra time to prevail, with Spurs’ Gary Mabbutt turning into his own net to gift the opposition the winning goal.

It was a poor start from the eventual winners, as they fell behind in just the second minute. The prolific Clive Allen netted his 49th of the campaign to give Spurs the advantage.

But a response came quickly with Dave Bennett levelling proceedings seven minutes later.

Mabbutt restored the Lilywhites’ lead before Keith Houchen drew his side level again in the second half. Houchen’s diving header would be named BBC’s Goal of the Season.

Mabbutt’s unfortunate own goal in the 106th minute crowned Coventry champions.

Cup success typically resulted in European qualification, but Coventry were denied a chance of impressing on the continental stage. The ban on English clubs following the Heysel Stadium disaster was in place between 1985 and 1990.

Ipswich (1977/78)

Almost 60 years ago, the Tractor Boys etched their name on the trophy for the first and only time.

Bobby Robson and his players edged out four-time winners Arsenal courtesy of Roger Osborne’s strike.

They also hit the woodwork on three separate occasions, with John Wark connecting with the post twice. They remain the only club from Suffolk to lift the trophy.

Recent cup success has been scarce. Ipswich have only reached one other semi-final in the almost six decades that have passed. And that appearance came only three seasons after the cup triumph.

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