Take a look back at one of the finest FA Cup goals in history as Ryan Giggs settled an epic semi-final replay against Arsenal back in 1999.
There are certain games, certain goals, that will just live with us forever, and Ryan Giggs’ solo effort to win a titanic FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal is right up there with the very best.
The top two in the Premier League needed a second go at things after their original FA Cup semi-final ended 0-0, so the two arch rivals returned to Villa Park on April 14, 1999 to settle the argument once and for all.
If the first game was tight and tense, the second was a thrilling epic as the gloves came off and Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson’s heavyweights went toe-to-toe for a place in the FA Cup final.
The game had everything even before Welsh wizard Giggs produced his moment of brilliance – the Man Utd legend started the game on the bench and only entered proceedings just after the hour mark.
David Beckham and Dennis Bergkamp swapped worldies before Roy Keane was sent off with 15 minutes of the 90 left to play – advantage Arsenal.
Then another huge moment as Phil Neville brought down Ray Parlour for an Arsenal penalty – surely Bergkamp would send the Gunners to Wembley and end United’s treble hopes?
Step forward Peter Schmeichel who saved the Dutchman’s spot kick to send the game into extra time.
“I would have had my house on Dennis Bergkamp scoring the penalty,” Parlour said.
“I remember asking the referee David Elleray how long was left and he said, ‘This is the last kick of the game’. It was Dennis versus Schmeichel and he saved it.”
The game was eventually to be settled with 11 minutes left to play when Giggs picked up Patrick Vieira’s loose pass around halfway and go on one of the most famous dribbles in FA Cup history.
Two, three, four Arsenal defenders couldn’t stop him and from the tightest of angles his smashed the ball high into the roof of the net beyond David Seaman.
Some (including myself) feel the Arsenal keeper made himself smaller at the near post but nevertheless, you have to hand it to Giggs who produced one of those magical FA Cup moments – perhaps the best solo goal we’ve seen.
Cue the celebrations, the shirt off and the chest hair, so much chest hair - you don't see a lot of that in modern day football!
The rest is history of course as United went on to claim their famous 1999 treble.
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