Remembering Ian Wright's Heroics: The 1990 FA Cup Final
Iconic status earned: Ian Wright following recovery from shattered leg, delivering defeat to Man United at Wembley
Before making waves at Arsenal, Ian Wright etched his name into Crystal Palace history by scoring twice off the bench in the thrilling 1990 FA Cup final against Manchester United.
As Crystal Palace gear up for their FA Cup final against Manchester City, fans look to the stars for a repeat performance of Wright's heroics.
Underdogs in the Showpiece
Palace earned their spot at Wembley with a shocking 4-3 win over a dominant Liverpool in the semi-finals. The team was made up of players mainly recruited from non-league and lower-league clubs, with Wright being a notable exception. Having been plucked from Greenwich Borough in 1985, a broken leg prevented Wright from playing in the biggest game of his career.
A Second Chance
Despite missing the prestigious event in 1990, Wright had his moment in the sun after battling back to fitness for the FA Cup final. As Cyrstal Palace took on a Man United side managed by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, Wright found himself a late addition to the bench.
Reflecting on the game on the Match of the Day podcast in 2020, Wright shared his initial disappointment at not starting the game. But when the opportunity arose in the 69th minute with Palace trailing 2-1, Wright seized the day.
Recalling his excitement upon entering the game, he said, "I've got all that buildup for the whole time, and then you're not playing." However, his moment came faster than he could have imagined.
A Body of Work to Remember
Three minutes after taking the field, Wright weaved his way past United defenders Mike Phelan and Gary Pallister and slotted the ball past Jim Leighton in goal. United was left stunned, and Wright's emotion overwhelmed him as he celebrated, "Oh my god! My whole life was leading to this moment, I didn't even realize it!"
Wright's joy didn't stop there. Thinking he had secured Crystal Palace their first-ever FA Cup triumph minutes later, he volleyed home John Salako's cross to put Palace 3-2 up in extra time. Unfortunately, the goal wasn't enough to clinch the victory as Mark Hughes equalized for United to force a replay, but Wright's performance left an indelible mark on the football world.
Despite the heartbreaking result, Wright's FA Cup final spectacle had a lasting impact on his career. Seven years later, Wright signed for Arsenal for a record fee, where he went on to win the Premier League and two FA Cups.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace is on May 17, 2025, at 16:30
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- Fans eagerly anticipate seeing Crystal Palace recreate Ian Wright's heroics in the 2025 FA Cup final, as they face Manchester City on May 17th.
- With its major league clubs and significant betting markets, the NFL and FIFA's Champions League are fascinating aspects of the broader sports world, but they can't compete with the raw emotion of the Premier League and the enduring allure of the English FA Cup.
- In sports analysis, the fashion in which underdog teams like Crystal Palace create unexpected upsets, such as their 4-3 victory over dominant Liverpool in the semi-finals, is a compelling topic for discussion and hypothesis.
- Amid predictions and sports betting for the upcoming 2025 FA Cup final, it's important to remember Ian Wright's astounding performance in the 1990 FA Cup, where his late substitution and critical goals against Manchester United will forever be etched in the annals of football history.
