The British game has got more competitive than ever. With the FA Cup, the EFL Cup and the Premier League to fight for, teams in England have considered each of these trophies as their top priorities. The FA Cup continues this season, with Manchester City being the latest ones to lift the trophy and we take a look at the 10 top goals scored in the competition over the years.
10. Marlon Harewood v Middlesbrough, 2006-07 FA Cup Semifinals
The West Ham striker scored a critical goal for the Hammers in their Semifinal game against Middlesbrough. The No. 10 was creating all sorts of trouble for the Middlesbrough backline but when he struck, it was courtesy a wonderful twist and shimmy and a cracker of a shot in the top corner.
9. Joe Cole v Everton, 2005-06 FA Cup Round 3
With Florence Malouda reeling on the floor, thanks to a vicious foul from the Toffees, Joe Cole carried on in his merry way to skip past two defenders and then shoot with his right foot right into the top corner.
8. Paul Stalteri vs West Ham, 1992-93 FA Cup Quarterfinals
The Canadian failed to leave an impression at Tottenham, but made his mark on one of the most important occasions on the Spurs’ calendar, scoring an absolute screamer against London rivals West Ham United in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
The ball curled in at the near post, just sneaked in past the top corner to beat the goalie and be counted as one of the top FA Cup goals ever.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10154626114003505
7. Paul Jean Risse vs Birmingham City, 2006-07 FA Cup
Risse scored a belter in a 7-0 victory for the Reds of Anfield against minnows Birmingham City. The goal was the pick of the day as it came from over 30 yards out, thanks to slow patient build up play by the Liverpool midfield.
The shot was exquisite as it beat the defenders and the goalkeepers by pace and was applauded by the opposition fans as well.
6. Leroy Lita vs West Bromwich Albion, FA Cup 2005-06
The Reading team in 2005-06 was the real deal and they made the headlines for all the right reasons in this time. A core member of the team, Leroy Lita, playing from the left of attack, he scored an absolute stunner in their victory against West Brom.
The goal was created perfectly with sublime passing and possession play, but the finish couldn’t have been better.
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5. Gary Kelly vs Wigan Athletic, 2006-07 FA Cup
One of the ‘oh-so-nearly’ boys of Leeds United, Gary Kelly silenced all with his superb strike against Wigan in the Round 4 of the 2006-07 FA Cup.
The goal came at the end of a corner kick cleared inappropriately that fell to Kelly and he found his spot at the far post.
4. Xabi Alonso vs Luton, 2006-07 FA Cup Round 3
Xabi Alonso may have scored a lot of long-rangers in his entire career, but this one at the end of stoppage time against Luton stands out as a very special one.
The Liverpool defense cleared the ball only for Alonso to pick it up, make his way past the referee and then with the opposition goalkeeper off the line, he took a left-footed shot for the goal. What a spectacle!
3. Steven Gerrard vs West Ham United, 2005-06 FA Cup Final
Liverpool’s Captain fantastic Steven Gerrard scored the goal of his life in stoppage time against West Ham United in the Final of the FA Cup 2006.
The shot was unstoppable from 30 yards out where he latched onto a loose ball and unleashed a power strike that the goalkeeper nor the defenders could do anything about.
2. Roberto Di Matteo vs Middlesbrough, 1996-97 FA Cup Final
Chelsea legend Roberto di Matteo scored an absolute blinder against Middlesbrough in the Final of the FA Cup in the 1996-97 edition as he shot from 35 yards to score after the ball went in off the top bar.
The goal was crucial in providing Chelsea the cushion they needed to be able to dictate the game and lay their hands on the FA Cup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scfqsanigRY
1. Stuart Pearce vs Tottenham Hotspurs, 1991 FA Cup Final
Although Pearce’s goal came in a losing cause as Spurs went on to win the FA Cup for a record 8th time, his freekick is till date one of the best goals we’ve seen in an FA Cup final.
Playing for Nottingham Forest, the Englishman scored off a dead ball outside the ball, curling the ball over the wall and into the ball, the likes of which you might expect to see from the Messis and Ronaldos and Ronaldinhos.