Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 2 Manchester City: The Game of the Century
Full Highlights of the 1981 FA Cup Final Replay
On May 14th, 1981, the 100th FA Cup Final took place at Wembley, culminating in an unforgettable replay that would go down in history as "the game of the century." After a thrilling 1-1 draw in the first match, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City returned to the iconic stadium for a rematch that would produce one of the most memorable matches in English football history.
Ricky Villa's Dazzling Run
One of the defining moments of the replay came in the second half, when former Argentina international Ricky Villa weaved his way through the Manchester City defense with an astonishing dribble. Villa's mesmerizing footwork left City players in his wake, ultimately leading to a crucial goal for Tottenham.
An Epic Extra-Time Thriller
With the match tied 1-1 after regulation time, the drama spilled over into extra time. Manchester City took an early lead through Tommy Hutchison, but Tottenham refused to give up. Steve Perryman equalized for Spurs, setting the stage for a heart-stopping climax.
In the final minute of extra time, substitute Ricky Allen rose highest to head home a corner kick, giving Tottenham a dramatic 3-2 victory and securing the FA Cup for the first time in 15 years. The victory was a fitting tribute to the centenary of the world's oldest football competition.
The 1981 FA Cup Final replay between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City will forever be remembered as one of the greatest matches in English football history. Its thrilling twists and turns, coupled with Villa's iconic run, cemented its place in the annals of football lore.
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