FA Cup: When’s the Last Time Man City, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest Won the Competition?
Introduction
The FA Cup is the oldest and most prestigious domestic cup competition in football history. With a rich legacy dating back to 1871, winning the FA Cup is a dream for every English club. Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest all have storied pasts in this tournament, but their last triumphs came at different points in history. Let’s take a deep dive into the last time each of these clubs lifted the famous trophy and the impact of those victories.
Manchester City – FA Cup Winners in 2019
The Road to Victory
Manchester City’s most recent FA Cup win came in 2019, under the management of Pep Guardiola. They completed a historic domestic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup in the same season—a feat never before achieved in English football.
City’s run to the final included dominant performances, with emphatic victories over teams like Rotherham, Burnley, and Brighton. Their toughest test came in the quarter-finals, where they had to come from behind to beat Swansea City 3-2 in a dramatic contest.
FA Cup Final 2019: Manchester City vs. Watford
The final at Wembley saw Manchester City demolish Watford 6-0 in one of the most one-sided FA Cup finals in history. Goals from David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, and Raheem Sterling sealed a resounding victory, marking City’s sixth FA Cup triumph.
Significance of the Victory
- The win capped off a historic domestic treble, solidifying Guardiola’s squad as one of the greatest English club teams ever.
- The 6-0 margin equaled the biggest-ever FA Cup final victory, tying Bury’s win over Derby County in 1903.
- City’s dominance in that final was a statement of their growing power in English football.
Since then, City has remained a dominant force in domestic and European football, but they have yet to win another FA Cup since 2019.
Aston Villa – FA Cup Winners in 1957
A Return to Glory
Aston Villa, one of England’s most historic clubs, last won the FA Cup in 1957. The club was already a dominant force in the early years of English football, winning the cup six times before this triumph. However, the 1957 victory remains Villa’s most recent success in the competition.
FA Cup Final 1957: Aston Villa vs. Manchester United
The final at Wembley saw Villa take on the legendary Busby Babes of Manchester United. Villa won 2-1, with Peter McParland scoring both goals.
Key moments from the final:
- McParland opened the scoring in the 68th minute before adding a second just five minutes later.
- Manchester United managed to pull one back late in the game, but Villa held on for the victory.
Historical Impact
- This victory marked Aston Villa’s seventh FA Cup title, making them one of the most successful clubs in the competition at the time.
- Tragically, just months later, the Munich Air Disaster occurred, affecting many of the Manchester United players who had competed in that final.
- Villa’s FA Cup triumph remains one of their last major domestic successes, as they have not won the competition in nearly seven decades.
In the years since, Villa has come close but has not been able to reclaim FA Cup glory. Their most recent attempt was in 2015, when they reached the final but lost 4-0 to Arsenal.
Nottingham Forest – FA Cup Winners in 1959
The Underdogs Triumph
Nottingham Forest’s most recent FA Cup success came in 1959, when they secured a famous 2-1 victory over Luton Town. This remains their only FA Cup triumph, making it a cherished part of the club’s history.
FA Cup Final 1959: Nottingham Forest vs. Luton Town
The final at Wembley saw Forest take an early 2-0 lead, with goals from Roy Dwight (Elton John’s cousin) and Tom Wilson. Luton pulled one back late in the match, but Forest held on to win their first and only FA Cup title.
Key moments from the final:
- Roy Dwight’s Injury: Despite scoring the opening goal, Dwight was forced off the field with a broken leg, leaving Forest with ten men for the rest of the game.
- Forest’s resilience: Playing with a man down for most of the second half, they showed incredible grit to secure victory.
Legacy of the Win
- Nottingham Forest became FA Cup winners for the first time in their history, a major milestone for the club.
- The victory came two decades before Brian Clough’s era, during which Forest won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980.
- Forest has reached the FA Cup semi-finals multiple times since but has never won the competition again.
Comparing Their FA Cup Histories
| Club | Last FA Cup Win | Total FA Cup Titles | Most Recent Final Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 2019 | 6 | 2023 (Runner-up to Man United) |
| Aston Villa | 1957 | 7 | 2015 (Runner-up to Arsenal) |
| Nottingham Forest | 1959 | 1 | 1959 (Only win) |
What’s Next?
All three teams are still fighting for FA Cup glory in 2025. While Manchester City remains the favorite due to their dominance in English football, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have the potential to pull off a historic upset and end their long FA Cup droughts.
Will City add another FA Cup to their growing collection? Or will Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest finally end their decades-long wait? Football fans around the world will be watching closely to see which club can etch its name into FA Cup history once again.
Conclusion
The FA Cup remains one of the most prestigious trophies in English football, and winning it is a moment of pride for any club. For Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest, the competition holds different meanings—City is aiming for continued dominance, while Villa and Forest dream of reliving their past glories.
As the 2025 FA Cup progresses, all eyes will be on these teams to see if history can be rewritten. Whether it’s City extending their modern dynasty, Villa reclaiming glory after 68 years, or Forest pulling off another underdog story, one thing is certain—the magic of the FA Cup lives on.
