Walsall 2-0 Arsenal (FA Cup Third Round)
Date Played: May 1933
Of all the amazing FA Cup surprises over the history of the competition, perhaps none has caused as much of a surprise on the scale of Walsall’s defeat of the champions Arsenal in the third round of the 1932-33 tournament. Arsenal were in the mid stages of a sequence that witnessed them capture 4 league titles in 5 years. Despite 4 of their first team star were unavailable for the encounter against Walsall, the other 7 were internationals. Arsenal gaffer, Herbert Chapman was delighted to give 3 of his reserves a first appearance. Unfortunately for Chapman, the new players failed to grab their chance to impress. As the match continued, Walsall’s confidence increased and, on the 30 minute mark, their leading goal scorer, Gilbert Also headed them into the lead from a corner. Five minutes later, one of the Arsenal new players, Tommy Black, gave away a penalty. Billy Shepherd smashed home the penalty kick and the cheer of the home fans could be heard 2 miles away.