1979 FA Cup Final - Arsenal v Manchester United

This is often listed as one of the greatest cup finals in FA Cup history. They are wrong, of course. What it is memorable though is for having one of the most dramatic climaxes in FA Cup history, which led to it being know as the 5 minute final. It featured two big names in Arsenal and Manchester United, who were meeting in the final for the first time ever. Ironically both were in mid table form by this time, with Arsenal in 7th and United in 9th. United however had been in back to back finals in 1976 and 1977, claiming the cup against their old rivals Liverpool in the latter and having despatched them in the semi final to get here under manager Dave Sexton. Arsenal hadn't won the cup since their double season in 1971 under Bertie Mee, but his replacement Terry Neill had taken them to the final in 1978, only to lose to Ipswich Town. Pundits couldn't call the final, but early on it was United who dominated and when Arsenal caught them on the break with their first attack to score the Red Devils continued to pressure against a surprisingly nervous Gunners defence. Sadly for United before half time they found themselves 2-0 down when they discovered that their defence and young goalkeeper Gary Bailey (who had been fine in the game) had the vampire complex - they couldn't cope with crosses. 2nd half looked to be a formality, though United doggedly tried to get back into the game. But at 85 mins Arsenal made a substitution as they looked to see out the game, only to completely turn the game and their defence on it's head. Unlikely as it seemed United scored, then scored again within two minutes to set it up for a grandstand finish. But one player was determined to have the last word... This is from my own collection, and one that I knew I had but just couldn't find until recently. It's not as bad as I thought it was either, and when you sometimes hear of teams saying that the best side lost - well, in this case it could be said to be true as I'm not sure how United lost this. It's improved greatly by commentary by Brian Moore, with insightful punditry from Brian Clough, who gives a number of perfect notes on the match and the two teams. Please note, however, that due to a fault on the DVD that the post match interviews cut out halfway through. However, the match itself and trophy celebrations are intact, so I hope that doesn't spoil your viewing. I had meant to upload this earlier today, but internet played up. Anyway, enjoy.