English football has been waiting for a surprise cup winner for a while. But this year could be different.
The Cup has its very own laws in England, and arguably its very own charm too. However, with the abolition of replay matches and semi-finals at Wembley, this charm is increasingly being lost, breaking the hearts of many traditionalists on the island. Because the FA Cup also has its very own special significance.
The finals at Wembley – and only those – have always been a place of pilgrimage and a destination for fans to make the journey to. In the more recent past, however, there is the problem that other fan groups are more likely to show up there. Those who are used to winning.
Leicester as a small exception
Arsenal, Manchester United, and of course Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have been passing the traditional trophy around among themselves in recent years. In 2021, Leicester, who were sensational champions in 2016, were able to celebrate. Five years later, however, the Foxes finished the league in fifth place as a somewhat expected team in the second division.
Large sections of English football fans want to feel something again. The FA Cup feeling. A surprise winner like Wigan in 2013, who were relegated and yet beat nouveau riche Manchester City at Wembley. It’s been twelve years since such a coup. And the wait could end after twelve years.
This year’s quarter-finals have provided fertile ground for hope. Okay, ManCity is still in the running. But as we know, the Skyblues are beatable this season. And in Preston North End, there is only one second division club among the eight quarter-finalists. The rest are from the Premier League.
But there is no second major caliber. In Fulham FC, Crystal Palace, AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, there are even four clubs that have never won a significant title. For Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and especially Preston, it has been at least a few decades since they won a title.
Good omen number one: ManCity has to play away in the quarterfinals. In Bournemouth, where the serial champion has already lost this season. And the Fulham v Palace clash means – good omen number two – that one of the title-less teams is already sure to be in the semi-finals.
The semi-finalists Fulham, Brighton, Bournemouth and Preston? One is allowed to dream. And if not now, then when?
