Introduction to FA Cup Upsets
The FA Cup has long been a breeding ground for unforgettable underdog stories. With its open draw format and rich heritage, it provides lower-league clubs with the rare opportunity to go head-to-head with football’s elite—and occasionally, to beat them. No matter the gulf in league position, resources, or squad depth, the competition remains one of the few stages where smaller clubs can deliver seismic shocks that echo across English football.
Among the most celebrated moments in the Cup’s history are the victories by EFL clubs over members of the so-called ‘Big Six’—Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur. These clubs, dominant in the Premier League era, often field star-studded line-ups, even in early FA Cup rounds. But history shows that no team, however wealthy or powerful, is immune from a giant-killing on a cold January evening.
These moments define the competition’s romance: passionate crowds, dramatic scorelines, and the humbling of giants by clubs with a fraction of the budget but all the belief in the world. Whether it’s a shock at a sold-out home ground or a famous away win, EFL teams have continually proven they’re capable of defying the odds.
Historic Upsets: EFL Teams vs. The Big Six
Throughout the history of the FA Cup, several EFL sides have written their names into folklore by toppling English football’s most powerful clubs. These victories have not only captured the imagination of fans but also underlined the enduring unpredictability and democratic nature of the competition.
The Underdogs’ Impact on the Tournament
These victories go beyond shock value. They reaffirm the cultural and competitive importance of the FA Cup, particularly for EFL clubs and their communities. For the clubs involved, the financial rewards are significant, but so too is the boost in belief, exposure, and supporter engagement. These wins often galvanise squads, forge lasting memories for fans, and can even spark wider success in their league campaigns.
From packed terraces to pitch invasions, the emotional outpouring that follows an upset encapsulates what makes the FA Cup so cherished. They serve as reminders that, for all the wealth and stratification in modern football, the game still belongs to those willing to fight for it on their day.
Iconic EFL Victories Over Arsenal
Arsenal, one of the most decorated clubs in FA Cup history, have also been on the receiving end of some of the competition’s greatest upsets. Despite boasting star-studded squads and a proud cup tradition, the Gunners have twice been humbled by lower-league opposition in matches that have stood the test of time.
Wrexham 2–1 Arsenal (1992)
Arguably the most famous FA Cup shock of all time, Wrexham’s win over reigning First Division champions Arsenal is etched into football folklore. At the time, Wrexham were struggling near the bottom of the Fourth Division, yet they defied all expectations at the Racecourse Ground.
Arsenal took the lead through Alan Smith and looked to be cruising, but the game turned in the final 10 minutes. A thunderous free-kick from 37-year-old Mickey Thomas brought Wrexham level before Steve Watkin capitalised on defensive hesitancy to fire home the winner. The scenes that followed—fans flooding the pitch and disbelief on the Arsenal bench—remain one of the most iconic images in the history of the competition.
York City 1–0 Arsenal (1985)
Seven years before the Wrexham upset, York City delivered a similar shock at Bootham Crescent. Then a Third Division side, York held firm against a strong Arsenal team before a dramatic late twist. With the tie seemingly heading for a replay, Keith Houchen won a penalty and calmly converted it in the dying moments to secure a famous 1-0 victory.
In freezing conditions and on a snow-dusted pitch, York’s resilience and discipline were exemplary. The result stunned Arsenal and sent ripples across the football world. It also reaffirmed the FA Cup’s reputation for drama, reminding fans that anything is possible—especially in Yorkshire.
Memorable Wins Against Liverpool
Liverpool’s illustrious history includes multiple FA Cup triumphs, but the Reds have also endured some humbling afternoons against lower-league opposition. For clubs like Plymouth Argyle and Oldham Athletic, beating one of English football’s giants was not just a result—it became a defining moment in their modern history.
Plymouth Argyle 1–0 Liverpool (2025)
One of the most recent shocks in FA Cup history, Plymouth Argyle’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool in 2025 was a triumph of tactical discipline and defensive resilience. Facing a rotated but still star-studded Liverpool side, Argyle dug deep in front of a packed Home Park crowd.
After surviving periods of sustained pressure, Plymouth struck in the second half with a well-worked counter-attack finished by Morgan Whittaker. From that moment on, it was backs to the wall—but Argyle held firm. The win sent shockwaves through the football world, proving that even in the modern era, Premier League giants are still vulnerable to the classic Cup upset.
Oldham Athletic 3–2 Liverpool (2013)
Oldham’s victory over Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool side in 2013 was an FA Cup classic. Then in League One, Oldham raced into a 2-1 lead at Boundary Park, with striker Matt Smith bullying the visiting defence and scoring twice. Reece Wabara added a third, and despite a late Joe Allen goal, Oldham held on to complete a famous 3-2 win.
It was a physical, fiery performance that rattled Liverpool throughout, and the atmosphere created by the home fans added to the occasion. The result highlighted the danger of underestimating lower-league sides and reminded everyone of the unique energy the FA Cup can bring to smaller grounds.
Remarkable Matches with Manchester United
Manchester United’s long-standing dominance in English football hasn’t shielded them from the FA Cup’s capacity for drama. Over the years, several lower-league clubs have defied the odds to stun the Red Devils, including two memorable performances from Bournemouth and arch-rivals Leeds United.
Leeds United 1–0 Manchester United (2010)
Despite the historical stature of Leeds United, by 2010 they were a League One side—far from their Premier League heyday. That didn’t stop them from inflicting a humiliating defeat on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup.
Jermaine Beckford scored the only goal of the game in the 19th minute, calmly slotting past Tomasz Kuszczak after latching onto a long ball over the top. Leeds defended resolutely for the rest of the match, while United—featuring the likes of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov—struggled to create clear chances.
The result marked Ferguson’s first-ever third round exit in the competition and was celebrated wildly by the travelling Leeds fans, rekindling one of English football’s fiercest rivalries in unforgettable fashion.
Bournemouth 2–0 Manchester United (1984)
In one of the FA Cup’s early giant-killings, Third Division Bournemouth shocked Ron Atkinson’s Manchester United at Dean Court in 1984. Managed by a young Harry Redknapp, the Cherries delivered a disciplined and fearless performance against a United side packed with internationals.
Milton Graham’s stunning volley gave Bournemouth the lead before Ian Thompson added a second to seal the win in front of a packed and jubilant home crowd. The result remains one of Bournemouth’s most famous victories and was the catalyst for Redknapp’s rise in management.
Shock Defeats of Manchester City
Manchester City’s rise to the top of English football under immense investment and elite management has made them one of the most dominant forces of the modern era. Yet, even during their trophy-laden years, City have suffered shock exits in the FA Cup—most notably at the hands of Wigan Athletic. Twice, the Latics defied all odds to knock City out of the competition, crafting a unique rivalry rich with upset and drama.
Manchester City 0–1 Wigan Athletic (2013)
One of the greatest FA Cup finals in recent memory, Wigan’s 1-0 win over City in 2013 was a true footballing fairy tale. Managed by Roberto Martínez, the Latics were on the brink of relegation from the Premier League, while City boasted a squad packed with global stars. Few gave Wigan a chance at Wembley.
Yet, they frustrated City throughout with disciplined defending and clever movement. Then, in stoppage time, substitute Ben Watson rose highest to head home a corner and seal an unforgettable win. It was Wigan’s first major trophy, achieved against a City side widely expected to steamroll their way to silverware. Remarkably, Wigan were relegated just days later—making their triumph even more poignant.
Wigan Athletic 1–0 Manchester City (2018)
Five years on, in the fifth round of the FA Cup, Wigan—now a League One side—did it again. This time, they faced a Pep Guardiola-led City team that was sweeping aside all competition and targeting a historic domestic treble. Yet at the DW Stadium, Wigan executed the perfect underdog game plan.
City dominated possession but were frustrated by Wigan’s resilience. Then, early in the second half, Fabian Delph was sent off, swinging momentum towards the hosts. With the clock ticking down, Will Grigg pounced on a mistake and calmly slotted home the winner. Wigan held firm to complete another astonishing win—the third time in six years they had dumped City out of the FA Cup.
Unexpected Outcomes Against Chelsea
Chelsea’s modern era has been defined by consistent success and a deep squad packed with international talent. Yet even the Blues have not been immune to the magic—and humbling—of the FA Cup. For Bradford City and Oxford United, victory over Chelsea wasn’t just unexpected—it was era-defining.
Chelsea 2–4 Bradford City (2015)
Few FA Cup shocks in the Premier League era rival Bradford City’s astonishing comeback at Stamford Bridge in January 2015. The Bantams, then a mid-table League One side, were expected to be little more than a footnote in Chelsea’s march towards the latter rounds. By half-time, with the hosts 2-0 up thanks to goals from Gary Cahill and Ramires, the tie looked all but over.
But what followed stunned the footballing world. Jon Stead pulled one back before goals from Filipe Morais, Andy Halliday, and Mark Yeates turned the game on its head. Bradford’s relentless energy and fearless approach completely unravelled José Mourinho’s Chelsea, who were top of the Premier League and unbeaten at home all season.
The result sent shockwaves through English football and became a symbol of FA Cup unpredictability. It was a night that Bradford fans—and neutral supporters across the country—would never forget.
Chelsea 1–3 Oxford United (1991)
Long before Chelsea’s modern golden era, they suffered another high-profile FA Cup upset at the hands of Oxford United. In 1991, Oxford were in the Second Division and travelled to Stamford Bridge as clear underdogs. Yet the U’s stunned their top-flight hosts with a clinical performance and a disciplined defensive display.
Lee Nogan gave the visitors the lead, despite Chelsea having already knocked them out of the League Cup. John Durnin added a second before Kerry Dixon pulled one back for the hosts. However, thoughts of a comeback were quickly shattered as John Magilton added a third, ten minutes from time. Oxford were bottom just weeks before the game, but finished in 10th after their cup shock gave them confidence.
Classic Upsets Over Tottenham and More
Tottenham Hotspur, with their rich FA Cup heritage, have been on both sides of history—celebrated champions and stunned victims. Meanwhile, other clubs have written their own underdog stories into the competition’s folklore. Two such moments—Coventry City’s famous Wembley triumph and Woking’s astonishing win over West Brom—remain among the most cherished in FA Cup history.
Coventry City 3–2 Tottenham Hotspur (1987 FA Cup Final)
The 1987 FA Cup Final stands as one of the most thrilling and unexpected in the competition’s long history. Coventry City, playing in their first ever major final, were up against a Tottenham Hotspur side with a strong Cup pedigree and a squad filled with experience and attacking talent.
Spurs took the lead early through Clive Allen, but Coventry refused to buckle. Dave Bennett equalised, and after Gary Mabbutt had restored Tottenham’s advantage, Keith Houchen levelled with one of the great Wembley goals—a diving header that would become symbolic of the club’s triumph.
In extra time, an attempted clearance from Mabbutt deflected off his own knee and looped past Ray Clemence to hand Coventry a 3-2 lead—one they defended heroically to lift the trophy. For Sky Blues supporters, it remains the greatest day in the club’s history and a shining example of the FA Cup’s power to produce fairytales.
West Bromwich Albion 2–4 Woking (1991)
Just a few years later, non-league Woking created their own slice of Cup magic in the third round against West Bromwich Albion. Despite trailing at half-time to the Second Division side, Woking produced an unforgettable second-half performance inspired by striker Tim Buzaglo.
The part-time forward netted a sensational hat-trick in just 14 minutes, turning the game on its head. A fourth goal sealed the result and completed one of the most famous FA Cup giant-killings of the modern era. Woking’s players and fans celebrated wildly, and Buzaglo’s name became forever etched in FA Cup folklore.
