Revisiting 4 classic FA Cup quarter-finals ahead of weekend clashes
As the 2025–26 FA Cup quarter-finals approach this weekend, it’s a perfect moment to look back at some unforgettable last-eight encounters from past editions of the competition.
From dramatic upsets to star-studded showdowns and spectacular goals, these fixtures capture the true magic of the FA Cup and offer a glimpse of the excitement fans can expect in the upcoming ties.
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Here are four standout quarter-finals from previous years:
Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal (2015)
Although not too far in the past, both teams featured line-ups that look very different today. Arsenal were chasing a record-equalling 12th FA Cup triumph, while Manchester United, under Louis van Gaal, saw the competition as their best shot at silverware that season.
The visitors struck first through Nacho Monreal after a clever move initiated by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. United quickly responded, with Wayne Rooney heading in Angel Di Maria’s cross just minutes later.
However, former United striker Danny Welbeck had the final say, calmly rounding David de Gea before scoring against his old club. The victory marked Arsenal’s first win at Old Trafford in nearly a decade, and they went on to secure the trophy with a dominant final performance.
Chelsea 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur (Replay: Chelsea 2-1 Spurs) – 2007
This thrilling London derby produced nine goals across two matches. Tottenham made a strong start at Stamford Bridge, with Dimitar Berbatov opening the scoring early on.
Despite Chelsea fighting back through Frank Lampard and others, Spurs regained control and went into halftime with a two-goal cushion. Missed chances in the second half proved costly, as Chelsea mounted a comeback, with Lampard and Salomon Kalou forcing a replay.
In the second encounter, Andriy Shevchenko broke the deadlock before Shaun Wright-Phillips doubled the advantage. Although Robbie Keane converted a penalty to give Spurs hope, Chelsea held on to progress.
Leicester City 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers (2001)
Wycombe Wanderers produced one of the competition’s memorable giant-killings by eliminating top-flight Leicester City.
Paul McCarthy’s header gave the visitors the lead in the second half, stunning the home side. Leicester equalised through Muzzy Izzet, but the drama wasn’t over.
Roy Essandoh, a recent signing who had joined after responding to a public call for a striker, became the hero by scoring a late winner, sending Wycombe into the semi-finals in remarkable fashion.
Crystal Palace 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Replay: Wolves 1-4 Palace) – 1995
After the first match ended level, the replay delivered a far more decisive outcome.
Chris Armstrong’s spectacular bicycle kick set Crystal Palace on their way, before a flurry of goals followed. Iain Dowie added another with a well-taken volley, while Darren Pitcher also found the net with a powerful strike.
Despite Wolves pushing forward in search of a comeback, Armstrong sealed the victory with his second goal, ensuring Palace advanced comfortably.
These memorable ties highlight the unpredictability and excitement that define the FA Cup, setting the stage for another thrilling round of quarter-final action on the weekend of Saturday, April 4, 2026.
