10 Most Dramatic Late Winners In Domestic English Football
10. Ben Watson: Wigan Vs Man City - 12/13 FA Cup Final
The prospect of the 2013 FA Cup Final didn’t exactly set pulses racing as Manchester City, flying high in the Premier League and
guaranteed Champions League football, faced lowly Wigan who were busy fighting for their Premier League survival. A routine walk-over was almost seen as a foregone
conclusion.
Far from being a one-sided affair however, the game proved to be a surprisingly even encounter. When Pablo Zabaleta was given his marching orders in the 84th minute, the balance shifted even further and a potential upset suddenly seemed increasingly likely.
Wigan midfielder Ben Watson had broken his leg just six months prior to the final and wasn't exactly renowned for his goalscoring prowess. When he came on as sub in the 82nd minute therefore, few honestly anticipated him having that much of a telling impact on the game's scoreline.
However, in the 91st minute Wigan won themselves a late corner and the City defence was rocking. The ball was whipped in, Watson timed his near post run to perfection and he powerfully glanced the ball over a full-stretch Joe Hart to become the most unexpected of heroes.
Thanks to Watson's goal, Wigan pulled off perhaps the biggest underdog FA Cup final win since Wimbledon beat Liverpool in 1988. They would unfortunately go on to become the only team to both win an FA Cup and get relegated in the same season, but while getting relegated is never enjoyable, a last ditch unexpected cup win is sure to soften the blow at least slightly.