The 1938 Fa Cup Final remains a significant moment in English football history, a clash of titans between two powerhouse clubs, Arsenal and Huddersfield Town. Held at Wembley Stadium on April 30th, 1938, the match was a closely contested affair, ultimately decided by a controversial penalty kick that awarded Arsenal the trophy. This article delves into the intricacies of this historic final, exploring the build-up, the match itself, and the aftermath, revealing why it continues to be a topic of discussion among football enthusiasts.
The Road to Wembley
Both Arsenal and Huddersfield Town were formidable teams in their respective divisions, boasting impressive records and renowned players. Arsenal, under the stewardship of legendary manager Herbert Chapman, had dominated the First Division, winning the league title in 1934, 1935, and 1938. Their squad included the legendary duo of Cliff Bastin and Ted Drake, who were renowned goal scorers and provided the backbone of their attacking prowess.
Huddersfield Town, on the other hand, were a force to be reckoned with in the Second Division, having won the league title in 1937. Their squad featured exceptional talent, including the prolific goalscorer, Willie Watson, and the tenacious defender, George Hurst, who were crucial to their success.
The path to the FA Cup final was paved with tough matches for both teams. Arsenal, as the dominant force in the First Division, were naturally favored, but they encountered formidable opposition in the earlier rounds. They faced a particularly challenging match against their London rivals, Chelsea, in the semi-finals, which they overcame with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Huddersfield Town, despite playing in the lower division, also faced a difficult journey to the final. Their semi-final encounter against Sheffield Wednesday was a tight affair, eventually settled in their favor with a 3-2 win. This victory, against a formidable opponent, exemplified their determination and resilience.
The Final: A Battle for Glory
The 1938 FA Cup Final was a clash of styles, with Arsenal’s attacking flair going head-to-head with Huddersfield Town’s robust defense. The match was a tense affair, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert them into goals. As the game progressed, the tension grew, with every tackle and pass carrying immense significance.
The turning point came in the 89th minute when Huddersfield Town’s defender, George Hurst, brought down Cliff Bastin in the penalty area. The referee, Alfred Birkett, pointed to the spot, awarding Arsenal a penalty kick.
The decision was met with protests from Huddersfield Town players and fans, who argued that the contact between Hurst and Bastin was minimal and did not warrant a penalty. However, the referee stood by his decision, and the penalty was awarded.
Ted Drake, the designated penalty taker, stepped up with the weight of the nation watching. He sent the ball past the goalkeeper, Fred West, and into the back of the net, sealing a 1-0 victory for Arsenal.
Controversial Decision: A Debate for Decades
The referee’s decision to award Arsenal a penalty kick has been a source of debate for decades. Many argue that the contact between Hurst and Bastin was minimal and that the penalty was a harsh decision. Others believe that the referee made the right call, based on his interpretation of the rules and the circumstances of the match.
“It’s a classic example of a referee having to make a split-second decision,” says renowned football analyst, Dr. David Hughes. “The contact was minimal, but it was enough to disrupt Bastin’s run and prevent him from getting to the ball. Whether or not it was a penalty is debatable, but the referee had to make a call, and he did so in favor of Arsenal.”
Regardless of the debate, the controversial penalty kick ultimately decided the outcome of the match. The 1938 FA Cup Final remains a significant moment in English football history, a testament to the fierce competitiveness of the sport and the importance of refereeing decisions in shaping the outcome of matches.
FAQ
Q: Was the 1938 FA Cup Final the first time the two teams had met in the final?
A: No, this was the second time Arsenal and Huddersfield Town had met in the FA Cup final. Their previous encounter was in 1930, where Arsenal triumphed with a 2-0 victory.
Q: Was the penalty kick the only goal of the match?
A: Yes, the penalty kick scored by Ted Drake was the only goal of the match, making it a close and hard-fought encounter.
Q: Was the 1938 FA Cup Final the first time the FA Cup was held at Wembley Stadium?
A: No, the 1938 FA Cup Final was the second time the FA Cup final was held at Wembley Stadium, following its inaugural use in 1923.
Q: Did Huddersfield Town go on to win the FA Cup again after 1938?
A: No, Huddersfield Town never won the FA Cup again after their loss in the 1938 final. They reached the final again in 1953, but lost to Blackpool.
Q: What happened to the two teams after the 1938 final?
A: Both Arsenal and Huddersfield Town continued to be successful clubs. Arsenal won the FA Cup again in 1950 and 1952, while Huddersfield Town continued to be a competitive team in the Second Division.
