Thrillers, Last-Minute Winners & Incredible Scenes: The Best Games of the 2025 Emirates FA Cup

1. Historic Upset: Hartlepool United vs. Manchester City (Round 3)

In what was undoubtedly one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 FA Cup, Hartlepool United, a League Two side, shocked Manchester City in a 2-1 victory that had the football world buzzing. With City entering the match as overwhelming favorites, many expected a comfortable win, but Hartlepool had other plans.

The match saw a courageous performance from Hartlepool’s goalkeeper, who made a series of crucial saves, including a penalty stop from Erling Haaland. As the game progressed, Hartlepool’s Tommy Miller scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute — a stunning strike that sent the home crowd into raptures. The 2-1 win will go down in FA Cup history as one of the most memorable moments of giant-killing, reminding everyone that in this competition, anything is possible.

2. Dramatic Extra-Time Thriller: Arsenal vs. Liverpool (Quarter-Final)

In a quarter-final tie that felt like a final, Arsenal and Liverpool delivered one of the most thrilling matches of the season. The two Premier League heavyweights went toe-to-toe in an encounter that saw four goals in the final 15 minutes of play.

After a 0-0 draw through regular time, extra time saw an explosive finish. Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead with a brilliant curling effort, only for Gabriel Martinelli to score an equalizer for Arsenal moments later. In the dying seconds, Bukayo Saka delivered a stunning volley that gave Arsenal a 3-2 win, sparking wild celebrations at the Emirates. The match had everything — tension, drama, and world-class football — and was one of the standout games of the entire tournament.

3. Last-Minute Drama: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Chelsea (Round 4)

Brighton & Hove Albion’s clash with Chelsea in the fourth round was another example of the FA Cup’s capacity to produce jaw-dropping moments. Chelsea, struggling for form in the league, were caught off guard by a tenacious Brighton side that looked determined to make a statement.

After Chelsea took the lead in the second half through a Raheem Sterling header, Brighton fought back with relentless pressure. In the 92nd minute, as the game appeared to be heading for a Chelsea win, Leandro Trossard latched onto a loose ball in the box and fired in the equalizer. With penalties looming, Brighton’s Danny Welbeck then scored the winning goal in the 120th minute, securing a 2-1 victory and sending Chelsea crashing out. The last-minute drama and Brighton’s never-say-die attitude made this game an unforgettable thriller.

4. The Derby Day Delight: Manchester United vs. Manchester City (Semi-Final)

The Manchester derby in the semi-final of the FA Cup is always a fixture that promises excitement, and the 2025 edition did not disappoint. Both teams were at their peak, with Manchester City fighting to maintain dominance in English football and Manchester United looking to continue their own resurgent season under Erik ten Hag.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Bruno Fernandes giving United the lead in the first half, only for Kevin De Bruyne to respond with a spectacular equalizer in the second. As the match seemed destined for penalties, Marcus Rashford emerged as the hero, scoring a last-minute header from a corner to give Manchester United a 2-1 win and send them to the final. The scenes of celebration in the United camp were electric, as they secured a spot in the FA Cup final with a dramatic and hard-fought win over their bitter rivals.

5. The Giant-Killer: Accrington Stanley vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Round 5)

Accrington Stanley's run to the fifth round was one of the feel-good stories of the tournament, and they took it a step further by defeating Tottenham Hotspur in one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 FA Cup.

The match was an emotional rollercoaster for Accrington, who had to overcome a 1-0 deficit late in the game. With just minutes remaining, Ethan Hamilton pounced on a loose ball and slotted in the equalizer. As extra time loomed, the drama reached its peak when Accrington's Sean McConville netted a stunning last-minute goal, securing a 2-1 win and sending the underdogs through to the next round. It was a truly magical FA Cup moment, demonstrating the competition's ability to bring together heart-stopping excitement and unexpected victories.

6. The Final Thriller: Chelsea vs. Manchester United (Final)

In a final that was billed as a showdown between two of the most successful clubs in FA Cup history, Chelsea and Manchester United did not disappoint. The match was full of incredible skill, edge-of-your-seat moments, and plenty of drama.

After an early goal from Raheem Sterling put Chelsea ahead, United responded in the second half with a brilliant header from Cristiano Ronaldo, who had returned to the club for the FA Cup final. As the match entered the final stages, it was still 1-1, and it seemed like we were heading for penalties.

But then, in extra time, Jadon Sancho rose to the occasion, scoring a brilliant solo goal to give Manchester United a 2-1 win and secure their place in history as FA Cup champions for 2025. The scenes at Wembley were electric, with United players and fans alike celebrating a hard-earned victory in one of the most thrilling finals in recent memory.

Conclusion: The Magic of the FA Cup Lives On

The 2025 Emirates FA Cup has been full of thrilling encounters, last-minute winners, and unforgettable moments that have once again showcased why this competition is so special. From shocking upsets to nail-biting finishes, the FA Cup continues to deliver drama and excitement that makes it one of the most anticipated football tournaments of the year.

As we look ahead to next year’s edition, one thing is for sure: the magic of the FA Cup is alive and well, and football fans can expect even more incredible moments in the seasons to come