15 years ago today, the new Wembley Stadium opened its doors for its first FA Cup final. Chelsea and Manchester United went head-to-head in the national stadium as the Blues ran out as 1-0 winners thanks to a late Didier Drogba strike in extra time.
Wembley’s famous arch has become just as iconic as the twin towers of the old stadium, and fans up and down the country dream of making the pilgrimage to the home of football. In the decade and a half since its opening it has already seen dramatic play-off finals, England hosting a major final and FA Cup history. To celebrate this anniversary, we have decided to highlight the greatest footballing moments to occur under the arch.
Christian Eriksen’s 10-second goal - 2018
The less said about Tottenham Hotspur playing their home Premier League games at Wembley the better. But given Eriksen scored so swiftly against Manchester United in 2017-18 to set the record for the fastest goal at the stadium, it is a worthy addition to this list.
Ben Watson stuns Manchester City as Wigan Athletic win the FA Cup - 2013
Forgetting how dull the game was as a whole, unlikely hero Watson rose highest to power in a corner in injury time for the only goal of the game to win Wigan their first FA Cup and give their fans a truly special moment.
Nick Powell wonder goal in League Two play-off final - 2012
This strike by 18-year-old Powell for Crewe Alexandra in their 2-0 win to seal promotion to League One was quite special. The ball comes into him from the left and his first choice sees him lose his marker before rifling the ball on the half volley into the top corner. His Manchester United move didn't work out, but this goal remains one of Wembley's best.
Harry Kane doubles England’s lead against Germany at Euro 2020 - 2021
While the scenes for Raheem Sterling’s opener in this fierce round of 16 clash, when Kane nodded home the Three Lions’ second, that goal sent shockwaves around the country and the celebrations inside Wembley were the same in every setting where the game was on a screen.
Obafemi Martins’ Carling Cup-winning goal - 2011
The 2011 Carling Cup final is always remembered for the disastrous miscommunication between Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and defender Laurent Koscielny which allowed Birmingham City substitute Martins to score the simplest of tap-ins right at the death to win Birmingham the game 2-1.
England Women vs Germany sets attendance record at a Lionesses home game - 2019
77,768 fans were in attendance as England were defeated 2-1 by Germany in what was a defining moment for the women’s game in this country, and once again Wembley was centre stage for a piece of history.
Jesse Lingard rocket wins Manchester United the FA Cup - 2016
The goal that delivered Louis van Gaal his only piece of silverware for Manchester United in what was also his last game in charge. Substitute Lingard’s volley late in extra time to win the game 2-1 was arguably equally as big of a highlight as Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew’s humorous dance when his side took the lead in the game.
Bobby Zamora seals QPR’s return to the Premier League - 2014
Everyone remembers this play-off final moment as Derby County defender Richard Keogh slipped leaving striker Zamora the golden chance to get ten-man QPR promoted in the 90th minute of this 1-0 match. Scenes at Wembley.
David Villa seals Barcelona the Champions League - 2011
Wembley was graced with the presence of the greatest Barcelona side of all time who ran out as 3-1 winners over Manchester United to become the champions of Europe under Pep Guardiola. The striker was teed up on the edge of the box and he found the top-right corner with his effort - a goal worthy enough to win any Champions League final.
Brett Ormerod fires Blackpool to the Premier League - 2010
The Tangerines came from a goal behind twice to complete the 3-2 comeback just before the break against Cardiff City. Ormerod was perfectly positioned when the ball rolled to him on the left side of the box and he made no mistake in taking the chance that fired Blackpool to the Premier League for the first time, nine years after he scored for them as they won the League Two play-off final.
