First held in 1871, the FA Cup is the oldest formally organised and recognised football competition in the world. It is also the premier knockout club competition in English football.
The FA Cup is notorious for its upsets and gives the chance to clubs from lower leagues to compete for major honours with the big guns of English football. In the past 10 years, clubs like Cardiff City, Everton, Stoke, Portsmouth, Wigan, Hull and Aston Villa have rubbed shoudlers with the ‘big dogs’ in the finals. Each of these clubs have so far had a tryst with relegation apart from Everton and Stoke.
The finals of the FA Cup, held each year at Wembley marks the end of the domestic football season. Winning the FA Cup is a prestigious moment in a clubs history and most clubs, inspite of the riches of the League competitions still treat it like a once in lifetime chance to be at the top of English football.
The importance of the FA Cup has increased now that the winner of the cup also gives a chance to play in the Europa League, UEFA’s second-tier European competition. We list the clubs to have appeared in the most cup finals, giving them a chance at glory.
#5 Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion (10)
Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion have competed in 10 FA Cup finals each with both clubs winning the FA Cup twice each as well. Almost fifty years have passed since West Brom last played in a cup final while it’s been 81 years since the Baggies last won the trophy.
Manchester City first appeared in the final in 1904 and have reached the finals intermittently till 1981. After the 1981 finals, City did not appear in the finals till 2011 which they went on to win. They have enjoyed success in the FA Cup since the influx of money made from the East, making them a powerful club in the domestic football scenario.
City last reached the final in 2013 under Roberto Mancini which they lost to Roberto Martinez’s Wigan Athletic.
#4 Chelsea and Aston Villa (11)
Chelsea and Aston Villa are clubs who have been through bad seasons in the Premier League but have had contrasting fortunes in the FA Cup. Chelsea and Villa have both won seven of the eleven finals they have appeared in.
While Aston Villa were the latest of the pair to have appeared in a final, it’s been nearly 60 years since they last won it. They lost out to Arsenal in 2015’s FA Cup final and have not lifted it since 1957.
Chelsea on the other hand, have recently found a relatively higher success rate in the FA Cup, winning all four of the finals they have appeared in the last ten years. The Blues won their first FA Cup in 1970 and last won it against Liverpool in 2012.
#3 Everton and Newcastle (13)
Everton and Newcastle hold the record for the third most appearances in the FA Cup finals each appearing 13 times. The Magpies have been a tad bit more successful than Everton in England’s premier knockout competition winning it six times to Everton’s five.
Newcastle, appeared in two consecutive finals in 1998 and 1999 during their late 1990’s glory days only to lose it to Arsenal and Manchester United respectively. The toon have not made the finals since.
Everton last made the FA Cup finals in 2009 under Scottish manager David Moyes who later went on to become Sir Alex Fergusson’s ill-fated successor at Manchester United. The Toffees went on to lose the finals 2-1 to Carlo Ancelloti’s Chelsea.
#2 Liverpool (14)
The fallen giants of English football, Liverpool have a glittering history in the FA Cup as well, Liverpool won their first FA Cup back in 1965, 40 years after appearing in their first cup final way back in 1914. The Reds won the FA Cup as a part of their Cup treble in the 2000-2001 season, defeating Arsenal in the process.
Liverpool won their last FA Cup in 2006 when they beat West Ham on penalties after being tied on 3 goals each at the end of regulation time. Liverpool made their last appearance in the finals in 2012 against Chelsea under the management of legendary Scouse footballer and manager Kenny Dalglish. They, however, ended up on the losing side as King Kenny was let go at the end of the season.
#1 Arsenal and Manchester United (19)
Two clubs which have been really successful since the 1990’s have transferred their dominance to the FA Cup. Manchester United and Arsenal, are the two clubs who have made an astounding 19 appearances each in the FA Cup final.
Arsenal have won the FA Cup 12 times, which is the most by a club. The earlier record of 11 was held by Manchester United but the Gunners leapfrogged them with their consecutive FA Cup triumphs in 2014 and 2015. Arsenal first lifted the FA Cup in 1930 which was only their second final appearance in the tournament after a maiden appearance in the finals in 1927.
For a club which has won the FA Cup 11 times, with 5 coming under legendary manager Alex Fergusson, Manchester United have faced an FA Cup drought in recent times. Since they last won the FA Cup in 2004, the Red Devils have managed to win five Premier League Championships, have appeared in three Champions League finals and won one of them.
The club last appeared in the cup finals in 2007 when the lost 1-0 to Chelsea. Manchester United will play in a record equaling 19th FA Cup final on Sunday, 22nd May.
