Breaking news:Liam Brady was outstanding’ – Frank Stapleton and David O’Leary reflect on most dramatic ‘Five-Minute Cup Final’

As Arsenal prepare to face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round this Sunday, football fans are reminded of the historic and dramatic encounters between these two iconic clubs.

Their rivalry, long-established and steeped in thrilling moments, is one of the most compelling in English football. Among their many memorable meetings, the 1979 FA Cup Final stands as one of the most dramatic and unforgettable, with three Dublin-born players playing pivotal roles in the Gunners’ victory.

The 1979 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester United at Wembley is considered by many as one of the greatest finals in the competition’s history.

A dramatic rollercoaster of emotions unfolded that day, particularly in the final minutes. For those who witnessed the game, it remains a testament to the unpredictable and captivating nature of football. It was a match that, in the span of just five minutes, saw the pendulum swing dramatically, leaving fans, players, and coaches in disbelief.

Frank Stapleton, who had played an integral role in Arsenal’s attacking efforts, remembers the game with great fondness. Reflecting on the intensity of the match, he recalls that “it was one of those games that had everything. The drama, the pressure, and the unbelievable final moments.”

As the game drew to a close, with the score level at 2-2, it looked as though it would be decided in extra time, but what transpired next would seal the victory for Arsenal in a way few could have predicted.David O’Leary, another key figure in the match, reflected on the way the game unfolded in those final moments. “It was the sort of match you dream about playing in,” he said. “You never forget those last five minutes.

It was like a whirlwind.” O’Leary, a stalwart in the heart of Arsenal’s defense, had been focused on keeping Manchester United’s attack at bay. However, when the final goal arrived, it wasn’t a defensive effort but an attack that sealed the win.The man at the heart of it all was Liam Brady, a player who had long been recognized for his sublime technical ability. Brady, hailing from Dublin like both Stapleton and O’Leary, was undoubtedly one of the finest talents of his generation.

His performances for Arsenal had earned him widespread admiration, and his impact in the 1979 final was no exception. Brady’s vision and skill on the ball played a central role in orchestrating Arsenal’s attack throughout the game.As the clock ticked down, it was Brady’s composure that proved decisive.

With the game tied at 2-2, it was Brady who, in the 88th minute, delivered a sublime pass that allowed Alan Sunderland to score the winning goal, ensuring a 3-2 victory for Arsenal. “Liam was outstanding that day,” Frank Stapleton recalls. “He had that ability to pick out the right pass at the right moment, and his assist for the winning goal was just a perfect example of that.”

Brady’s contribution in those final moments cemented his place as one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever players.The 1979 FA Cup Final had been a true spectacle, and the quick-fire goals that occurred in the last five minutes were the stuff of legend. Manchester United had fought back from being 2-0 down to equalize with just minutes remaining.

However, Arsenal’s attacking flair, led by Brady, proved too much for the Red Devils. The five-minute period of intense drama is now etched in football history, not only for the goals but for the sheer emotional turmoil it caused for those involved.For O’Leary, the final was a memorable one, but it wasn’t just about the winning goal.

“We had to work incredibly hard to get to that point,” he said. “The match was full of highs and lows, but the most important thing was that we came out on top.” The Gunners had, after all, been knocked out of the competition the previous year in a shock defeat to Second Division side Swindon Town, so redemption in 1979 was sweet.Stapleton, too, emphasizes the importance of that FA Cup victory.

“It was a huge achievement for us, not just because of the manner in which it ended, but because of the journey to that final. Beating top teams along the way to reach Wembley made it all the more special. There was a real sense of belief in the squad.” The Arsenal team, brimming with talent and determination, had earned their place in the final and, when the dust settled, they would go on to lift the trophy in one of the most dramatic finishes ever seen.Looking back, the trio of Dubliners – Brady, Stapleton, and O’Leary – had formed a key part of Arsenal’s success in that era. They were not just teammates but also friends, bonded by their shared heritage and their commitment to the Gunners’ cause.

Their collective efforts in the 1979 final helped define their legacy, and their contributions are still fondly remembered by Arsenal fans.As Arsenal prepare to face Manchester United again this Sunday in the FA Cup, the memories of that 1979 final remain fresh for many supporters. The rivalry between these two clubs has evolved, but the magic of that Cup final is timeless.

And while the players have long since retired, their performances that day still echo in the history of English football.For Arsenal, the 1979 FA Cup Final was more than just a victory; it was a moment that encapsulated the heart and soul of the club. It was a testament to their resilience, skill, and determination. And for the three Dubliners who played key roles, it marked a high point in what was already a remarkable career.

As the current crop of Arsenal players prepare for another FA Cup challenge, they can look back at that victory for inspiration, knowing that anything is possible in the world of football.Stapleton, O’Leary, and Brady’s reflections on that unforgettable final serve as a reminder of the magic that can unfold in a football match.

The 1979 FA Cup Final was a true classic, and for the fans who witnessed it, it will remain one of the greatest moments in Arsenal’s history. Now, as Arsenal face Manchester United again, the echoes of that day in May 1979 are sure to resonate once more.