The Emirates Stadium may be one of the newer homes of English football, but it has already hosted its share of dramatic FA Cup moments. Since Arsenal moved from Highbury in 2006, the ground has become a modern stage for history to repeat itself, with all the magic, frustration and joy that the world’s oldest cup competition tends to bring.
Arsenal 2–1 Liverpool (2007)
One of the earliest FA Cup ties at the Emirates set the tone for what was to come. Arsène Wenger’s young side faced Liverpool in the third round and produced a spirited performance. Tomas Rosický scored twice in the first half, combining flair and precision in a way that typified Arsenal’s attacking play at the time. Dirk Kuyt pulled one back, but Arsenal held firm, giving the fans an early taste of knockout football drama in their new home.
Arsenal 3–2 Aston Villa (2012)
A tie that looked like a disaster in the making turned into a reminder of Arsenal’s resilience. Trailing 2–0 at half-time to Aston Villa, the home fans voiced their frustration. Yet, within seven second-half minutes, the Emirates erupted. Robin van Persie’s penalty, Theo Walcott’s poacher’s finish, and another Van Persie spot-kick flipped the match entirely. It wasn’t just a comeback; it was a rallying cry for belief during a turbulent season.
Arsenal 4–0 Coventry City (2014)
This fourth-round tie carried a nostalgic air. Coventry, once a Premier League side, arrived as underdogs but were met by a sharp Arsenal display. Lukas Podolski’s brace and goals from Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla made it a commanding win, yet what stood out was the atmosphere. Coventry’s fans sang proudly throughout, and Arsenal supporters joined in the applause, creating one of the most respectful and memorable cup nights at the Emirates.
Arsenal 2–0 Hull City (2014 Replay)
Before the famous final at Wembley, there was this fifth-round replay. After drawing at Hull, Arsenal made no mistake at home. Goals from Olivier Giroud and Per Mertesacker ensured a safe passage to the next round. The win felt routine, but in hindsight, it was a crucial step towards Arsenal’s long-awaited FA Cup triumph that would end the club’s nine-year trophy drought.
Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea (2020 Final Warm-Up)
Although the 2020 FA Cup Final was held behind closed doors at Wembley, the Emirates played a key role in Arsenal’s journey there. The semi-final warm-up against Chelsea, part of the restart period, showed how Arteta’s side was beginning to rediscover its edge. In earlier rounds at the Emirates, Arsenal had edged out Leeds United in a tense match where Reiss Nelson’s goal sealed progress. These games built confidence for what would become another victorious cup campaign.
Arsenal 3–2 Bournemouth (2023)
This recent tie had the kind of chaos the FA Cup lives on. Bournemouth took an early lead, and for much of the game, Arsenal looked second best. Yet the Emirates has become known for late drama, and goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah brought Arsenal level. The winner, deep into stoppage time, sent the home crowd into delirium. It was a match that reminded everyone why the FA Cup still matters, even in an era of fixture congestion and rotating squads.
Legacy of the FA Cup at the Emirates
For Arsenal, the FA Cup remains more than a competition; it’s a link to identity. The Emirates may not carry the ghosts of Highbury, but its floodlit nights have begun to build their own stories. From Rosický’s brilliance to Van Persie’s defiance, the competition has offered fans something timeless, the feeling that anything can happen, and often does.
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