The FA Cup: A Look Back at the Changing Landscape of England’s Storied Football Competition
The FA Cup, once a hallmark of English football, has evolved over the years, sparking debates about its relevance in the modern game. While some may argue that the magic of the competition has faded, a closer examination of the data tells a more nuanced story.
The notion that there are fewer “shocks” or upsets in the FA Cup these days is not entirely accurate. While the number of giant-killings has decreased slightly in recent decades, the capacity for unexpected results remains. In fact, the 2022-23 season saw seven shocks from 25 matches, including Championship side Sheffield United beating Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur and League Two outfit Grimsby Town knocking out Premier League Southampton.
The data reveals that the average number of inter-divisional shocks has remained relatively consistent, with the 1960s (23.3%) and 2000s (22.1%) showing similar percentages. However, there has been a dip in the 2010s and 2020s, though the potential for a high number of upsets in any given season remains, as seen in 2019 (25%) and 2013 (27.6%).
The decline in Saturday 3pm kick-offs is undeniable, with the number of matches at the traditional time of football in England dropping by more than half in the last 10 years. This shift can be attributed to the FA’s pursuit of lucrative television deals, which have resulted in a greater number of matches being scheduled for television or streaming coverage.
One area where the data dispels a common myth is the notion that big clubs no longer take the FA Cup seriously. Since 2000, when Manchester United boycotted the competition to participate in the Club World Cup, only three non-big six clubs have won the trophy, with the rest falling to the dominance of the Premier League’s elite.
This trend is further reinforced by the list of top goalscorers in recent FA Cup campaigns, which is dominated by the big names of the Premier League, such as Erling Haaland, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Son Heung-min.
However, one area where the data supports a common perception is the ease with which the big clubs, particularly Chelsea, have been drawn at home against lower-league opposition. In the 10 years since the 2015-16 season, 15 of Chelsea’s 34 matches in the early rounds have been home draws against teams from the Championship, League One, or League Two, and they have won every single one of those matches.
In conclusion, while the FA Cup has undoubtedly evolved over the years, the data paints a more nuanced picture than the nostalgic narratives that often surround the competition. The capacity for shocks remains, even if the frequency has decreased, and the big clubs continue to take the competition seriously, despite the growing financial disparity in the sport.
As the FA Cup continues to adapt to the changing landscape of modern football, it will be interesting to see how the competition and its traditions evolve in the years to come. One thing is certain: the magic of the FA Cup, while perhaps more elusive, is still very much alive and kicking.
Embrace the Unexpected: The Enduring Appeal of FA Cup Shocks
The data reveals that the number of shocks in the FA Cup has not notably decreased in recent years, despite the common perception. While the frequency of giant-killings has dipped slightly, the capacity for unexpected results remains, with the potential for a high number of upsets in any given season.
The data shows that the average number of inter-divisional shocks has remained relatively consistent, with the 1960s (23.3%) and 2000s (22.1%) showing similar percentages. The last decade has seen a decline, but the 2022-23 season proved that the magic of the FA Cup is still alive, with seven shocks from 25 matches, including some historic upsets.
The data also highlights the increasing regularity of non-League or fourth-tier teams beating top-flight opposition, with 12 instances of this happening between 2010 and 2025, compared to only four such occurrences in the previous 15 years. This suggests that the standard in the lower leagues has improved, and the tendency of middling top-flight sides to rest players en masse has opened the door for more surprising results.
Whether it’s the plucky Aston Villa of 1960 felling the mighty Preston North End or Grimsby Town’s recent heroics against Southampton, the FA Cup has a way of delivering the unexpected. As the data shows, the competition’s capacity for shocks may have dipped, but the potential for magic remains, making it a must-watch event for football fans across the country.
The Evolving Landscape of FA Cup Kick-Off Times
The data clearly shows that the number of Saturday 3pm kick-offs in the FA Cup has decreased dramatically in recent years. This shift can be directly attributed to the FA’s pursuit of lucrative television deals, which have resulted in a greater number of matches being scheduled for television or streaming coverage.
In the 2015-16 season, there were 36 matches from the third round onwards that kicked off at the traditional 3pm on a Saturday. Last season, this number had dropped to just 15, with none from the fifth round onwards. This season, there will almost certainly still only be 15 Saturday 3pm kick-offs, with the majority of matches being scheduled for alternative timeslots to accommodate the demands of broadcasters.
The significant drop in 2018-19, when only 10 of 32 third-round ties kicked off at 3pm on a Saturday, can be directly linked to the FA’s new £820 million overseas television deal. This has led to concerns from fan groups that the “magic of the FA Cup” is under threat due to the diminishing number of matches played at the traditional time.
While fewer Saturday 3pms may mean a loss of some of the competition’s traditional charm, the increased television and streaming coverage has also allowed millions more people to witness the magic of the FA Cup. It’s a complex issue, with valid arguments on both sides, but the data clearly shows that the landscape of kick-off times has shifted dramatically in recent decades.
Embrace the Unexpected: The Enduring Appeal of the FA Cup
The data presented in this article offers a fascinating insight into the changing landscape of the FA Cup, dispelling some common myths and shedding light on the evolving nature of the competition. While the frequency of shocks may have decreased slightly, the capacity for unexpected results remains, ensuring that the magic of the FA Cup continues to captivate football fans across the country.
As the financial disparity between the big clubs and the rest of the footballing pyramid grows, the competition’s ability to deliver surprises has perhaps become even more valuable. The data highlights the increasing regularity of non-League and lower-league teams toppling Premier League opposition, providing moments of pure, unadulterated joy for supporters of the underdog.
While the shift in kick-off times and the big clubs’ continued dominance may have altered the traditional landscape of the FA Cup, the data suggests that the competition’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to embrace the unexpected. As the FA Cup continues to adapt to the changing demands of modern football, it will be fascinating to see how the competition’s unique character evolves, and whether the magic of the cup can continue to capture the imagination of fans for generations to come.
