1991-92 FA Cup Semi-Final, Portsmouth v Liverpool [VIDEO]

In the build-up to the FA Cup Final today between Portsmouth and Chelsea, I thought it’d be interesting to enter the time machine and to go back to 1992 to watch the television broadcast of Portsmouth versus Liverpool in the FA Cup Semi-Final from Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium.

With John Motson commentating and awful shirt designs from both teams, it’s interesting to see some of the differences between the level of play 20 years ago compared to today. While players are often nervy during big matches, there were plenty of bad passes and tough tackles as can be seen in the above video.

The game is also remarkable for another reason. Liverpool’s manager that day was Graeme Souness. Both teams in this match were unable to win so they had to replay the match later, that time at Villa Park. But before the replay, Souness was rushed to the hospital where he had heart surgery and Ronnie Moran took over as caretaker manager in the absence of Souness.

Liverpool went on to beat Portsmouth and then went to the final where they defeated Sunderland 2-0 to win the 1992 FA Cup trophy.