5 of the FA Cup's most inspirational figures
The FA Cup is hotting up with the quarterfinals having taking place over the weekend. Many have already made a name for themselves this tournament. Richie Allen scored a Messi-like goal for Salford, Peterborough held their own against Premier League side West Brom, and Northwich Victoria made it all the way to the Second Round before being cruelly ejected from the tournament in the dying moments.This weekend, however, it was all down to the elite. The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea all had the chance to secure a place at Wembley, and by the time the trophy is lifted on 21 May, a number of players will have written themselves into footballing folklore.It seems a cliche to say the FA Cup has that essence of magic, but it’s true. So many players have become heroes through this competition, forever to be remembered. One player will undoubtedly join the growing list this season, but who will he sit alongside? We take a look at five players who have gone down in history.
#1 Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard sits comfortably as one of the greatest British players of the modern era. He was talismanic for Liverpool, spurring them on to both European glory and FA Cup success. Most recently he grabbed the AFC Wimbledon tie by the scruff of the neck to help take the Reds all the way to the Semi-Final. It was 2006 however, where he’ll be most remembered.
Taking on West Ham in the last final at the Millennium Stadium, Gerrard was the catalyst behind Liverpool’s comeback, scoring a last minute equaliser to take them into extra time. However, it wasn’t just any equaliser, it was a real stunner and typical of the man who led from the front.
The game went to penalties and naturally Gerrard buried his to pick up his second FA Cup title and add more silverware to a very successful period under manager Rafael Benitez.