Southampton won the FA Cup for the simplest reasons: they were better organised in defence than Manchester United, waited more patiently for a scoring chance, and when it came took the goal with coolness. Against all odds and predictions, the cup went to the south coast for the first time since 1939, when Portsmouth beat Wolves.
Manchester United, a team of youth and verve, failed to produce their best on the day. They were defeated less by their own nerve than by the nerveless approach of opponents who carried out routine orders to the letter. Some felt a win for Southampton might be bad for football, but the course of the game did not bear that out. Southampton created more scoring opportunities and their play, based on a broad defensive platform, was not negative.
Southampton’s tactical plan was elementary but effective. Wingers Hill and Coppell were played tight, Holmes stayed goal side of Daly, and Macari found his avenues blocked. Osgood and Channon made important tackles near their own goalline. Steele won the crucial battle against Pearson, preventing him from turning on the ball. Manchester United never carved open the centre of Southampton’s defence.
United’s nearest chance came on the hour when Pearson headed a corner and Mcllroy nodded the ball against the bar. Another movement saw Pearson volley wide – the titbit that replaced the feast. Southampton had announced their intent past the half-hour, with McCalliog’s lobbed through ball finding Channon, but Stepney saved. In the second half, McCalliog’s passes began to find Channon in space, but United could not heed the warning.
