Amongst all of the FA Cup shocks that have occurred down the years, there are few more unexpected that Wrexham’s 2-1 win over Arsenal back in 1992.
The Gunners were the reigning league champions at the time, while the Welsh outfit were far away from their very best form having finished bottom of the Football League the season before. Both sides were literally at completely different ends of the English football pyramid.
When Paul Merson put one on a plate for Alan Smith early in the game, Arsenal were 1-0 up and the game looked to be done. But to their credit, despite waves of Arsenal pressure throughout the game, the Wrexham players—roared on by circa 13,500 in attendance at the Racecourse Ground—kept the deficit at just a solitary goal.
In fact—inspired by their veteran skipper Mickey Thomas—the hosts were growing in confidence and there was a sense that something special could well be on the cards.
Even more so when 37-year-old Thomas—formerly of Manchester United and Chelsea—stood over a dangerous free-kick for the hosts. The winger had been in excellent form throughout the match and when he fired his effort past David Seaman, it looked as if Wrexham had earned themselves a replay at Highbury.
Things were about to get even better, though. With the Racecourse Ground in raucous mood, Wrexham continued to pile forward, sensing that a famous result for this team was in the off. Arsenal’s illustrious talents were reeling and just two minutes after their skipper’s goal, Steve Watkins put the Welsh club in front. They held out for victory, sparking joyous scenes and a patented FA Cup pitch invasion.
Wrexham drew West Ham United in the round following and put in another magnificent performance to draw 2-2 at the Boleyn Ground. But they were narrowly beaten by the Hammers in the replay in Wales.
The result remains arguably the biggest shock in history of the FA Cup. Indeed, as noted by the Daily Mail, Wrexham’s win was picked as the biggest upset in ESPN fan poll. You suspect the included video is something fourth tier Cambridge United may have taken a look at prior to their fourth round draw with Manchester United.
Mobile app users, watch the video here.
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