MICKEY THOMAS insists Wrexham’s unbelievable victory against Arsenal is the greatest FA Cup shock of all time.
It’s 30 years ago since Wrexham, who had finished bottom of the Football League the previous season, came up against George Graham’s mighty Arsenal in the third round.
The Gunners, packed full of internationals, were the defending league champions and expected to complete a comfortable win.
Despite taking the lead just before the break through Alan Smith, Arsenal failed to kill the game off and Brian Flynn’s side were still in the contest going into the final stages.
And what a finale!
Midfielder Thomas scored an unforgettable free-kick in the 82nd minute before Wrexham-born striker Steve Watkin scored the winner to stun the visitors.
There have been other giant-killing acts in the famous competition but Thomas believes nothing has – or is ever likely to – surpass Wrexham’s achievement.
“It was the biggest result and still, without question, the biggest shock in the FA Cup,” said Thomas. “If anyone knows a better result, come and have an argument with me. There isn’t one!
“It gave Wrexham a bit of prestige and people are aware of what can happen in the FA Cup.
“I will never forget it as long as I live. It is in the FA Cup history books.
“You don’t see it at this moment in time and I hope I don’t see it ever. That victory needs to be mentioned as the biggest shock ever.”
England international David Seaman was powerless to stop Thomas’ 25-yard free-kick from finding the top corner for Wrexham’s equaliser.
That goal has written Thomas into folklore and it was one of the highlights of his career.
“How can I forget that goal?” said the former Wales international. “Anyone in that game, in that ground, that day will never forget it.
“Everywhere I go people say, ‘that goal you scored against Arsenal.’ I have been abroad and people come up to me, it is amazing.
“I was 37-years-old when I scored that goal against the league champions and we were obviously languishing in the lower leagues having a hard time.
“I played for my country, I played for Manchester United and I played in a cup final which was an amazing thing to do. But that goal, at my age and the way Wrexham were and the way Arsenal were, it had to be one of the most magic moments of my life.”
Some people believe Thomas got the winning goal, but he is quick to point out that it was Steve Watkin who had that honour.
“People remember my goal because it was a super strike and they don’t remember Steve,” said Thomas. “Some people think I got the winning goal but I always mention Steve because it is important.”
Thomas also feels the whole team deserves credit for playing their part in the cup shock.
“I don’t just mention Steve because it is about the other players as well,” said Thomas. “We played as a team that day, from goalkeeper Vince O’Keefe, who was absolutely magnificent.
“The defensive unit was great, people like Mark Sertori. We clicked into gear that day and we had to play above ourselves which we did.
“Arsenal had to have an off day which they did but we made it possible by believing that we could cause an upset and it came true.
“One-nil down at half-time, you would never put anything on it but that is the beauty of the FA Cup.”
Victory secured a fourth round trip to West Ham United where Wrexham drew 2-2 and earned a replay at a packed Racecourse, the Reds narrowly losing 1-0.
Wrexham won admirers for their efforts on the pitch but Thomas says the revenue generated by the cup run was vital to the club.
“To get that result against Arsenal lifted everyone and financially it was a massive boost for the club and the manager,” said Thomas. “It changed the whole structure of the club, it was a big financial hit for them.”
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