Party Like It's 1999

In 1999, Arsenal & Manchester United were the two top teams in English football. On 14 April; they played out one of the greatest games in FA Cup history in their semi-final replay at Villa Park; having played out a goal-less draw just three days earlier; as their rivalry and climax to the season reached a searing crescendo.

It seemed nothing could divide these teams; and so it proved in this game; as David Beckham and Dennis Bergkamp struck either side of half-time to mean it was 1-1 heading into extra-time. On a catalytic atmosphere at Villa Park; Man Utd were then reduced to ten men; and when Arsenal got a last-minute penalty; it seemed all but game over. Dennis Bergkamp; the man you would bet your house on; strode forward and had his penalty saved by a quite-brilliant Peter Schmeichel.

Suddenly; you felt the tide shifting; and though Arsenal were still dominant; they could not get the break-through even in extra-time. Then in the 109th minute; Patrick Vieira mis-played a pass in midfield; and it was latched on to by Ryan Giggs. With Man Utd struggling for breath at that point; Giggs produced a lung-bursting run past four Arsenal defenders; and thundered in a shot that in my book; is the second greatest goal ever scored after Maradona.

At that point; you knew Arsenal had lost it and indeed they did. Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is still 'haunted' by that game; and well he should; as it was a game Arsenal should have won. Having a one-man advantage; and with that last-minute Bergkamp penalty; they should have wrapped it up. Bergkamp was still tormented by that penalty; and it did affect him for some time.

That victory was the game I felt that propelled Man Utd towards the treble; their momentum was then unquestionable; and it allowed them to win the FA Cup; the momentum for the league (past Arsenal) and the impetus for the Champions League.