Martin Tyler's Letter From The Gantry No 36
From The joy Of Football podcast No 42, a look back at the romance and reality of the FA Cup third round, its history and its present
The Joy of Football as a commentator – and as a fan – Is that no two games are ever quite the same. But there are often similarities, and I am sure I am not the only one, above the age of 30 say, who found themselves comparing Arsenal’s third round FA Cup tie against Manchester United to that epic semi-final replay between the clubs in 1999.
The games share an element of history. The first was the last ever semi-final replay, and the recent clash has taken place in the first year replays were abolished throughout the entire competition proper, thereby impacting the third round.
On both occasions United had a player sent off – Roy Keane back then, Diogo Dalot this time. Arsenal wasted a penalty each time. For Dennis Bergkamp read Martin Ødergaard. Altay Bayendir replicated the famous Peter Schmeichel spot-kick save. Two Manchester United triumphs when they really overcame the odds.
United got through to this season’s fourth round via a penalty shoot-out with this ‘having to be decided on the day’ mandate from the Football Association. In 1999 the decisive moment came courtesy of one the competition’s most unforgettable goals, a venomous shot in extra-time at the end of a weaving run from the then 25 year-old Ryan Giggs.
Just over 25 years on from that I was commentating on Ryan’s FA Cup involvement in this season’s round three. It was a far cry from those wild celebrations at Villa Park towards the end of the last century. As director of football he was alongside manager Karl Robinson in the Salford City dug-out at the Etihad Stadium. Salford as you will know were thumped 8-0 but they had never before been this far in the competition. That achievement should not be forgotten because of the margin of defeat.
It is around a decade since the club was taken over by the group known as United’s class of 92, and facing Manchester City in a competitive match for the first time was another step forward in the ambitions of the League Two club from just across town. Salford, incidentally, has been a city for almost 100 years.
When the Nevilles, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Ryan took control they changed the club’s shirts to a very Manchester United red. During the commentary I wondered whether that look together with the very strong ownership connections with Old Trafford was a big reason why Manchester City did not let up.
Co-commentator Stewart Robson was a voice of reason in my ear, pointing out that several City youngsters wanted to make the very most of minutes in the first team. That was borne out by a hat-trick from James McAtee, and goals from 19 year-old Nico O’Reilly and, on his debut after a summer switch from West Ham, from Divin Mubama.
Jack Grealish was also determined to play himself back into form and had a fine game, and Jeremy Doku set the tone right from the off, finishing with two goals and two assists.
Most Premier League teams rang the changes unless it was an all -top-division clash. Usually it is a round of midweek fixtures before the big FA Cup weekend which makes selection difficult for the top flight managers. This year it is a full set of midweek games hard on the heels of the third round.
The rotations did little harm. Seventeen of the 20 Premier League sides are safely through. The only exits: Arsenal to Manchester United, and West Ham at Aston Villa. Plus the one real shock, Brentford, so brilliant usually at home, knocked out by the club that is bottom of the Championship, Plymouth Argyle – whose reward is a money spinning tie at home to Liverpool. Thomas Frank only started four of the 11 which began the 5-0 win at Southampton a week earlier.
I don’t like to finish with a gripe – because despite my age I work in today’s world and I recognise current problems in the football industry.
Spare a thought for Tamworth. Nil-nil after 90 minutes at home to Tottenham. In any previous season that would have earned the bounty and the blessing of a replay in North London.
Tamworth, a rare part-time club in the full-time standards of the National League, did the pyramid proud – and after their excellent 90 minutes deserved the replay reward which the regulations have taken from them and, with it, part of the charm of the FA Cup.
The Joy Of Football podcast is available now and every week on all major platforms, and has a presence on major social media