An action-packed day of FA Cup football saw several Premier League heavyweights face off against lower-league opposition, with Manchester United, Newcastle United, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, and Southampton advancing to the fourth round.
In a thrilling encounter at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United edged out Arsenal 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. Joshua Zirkzee, booed last month, emerged as the hero, slotting home the winning penalty with ice-cold composure.
Second-choice goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, also played a pivotal role in United’s victory, making a brilliant stop during the shootout and producing a superb save from Martin Odegaard in normal time. “I just want to help this great team and make everyone happy,” said an ecstatic Bayindir post-match.
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| Soccer Football – FA Cup – Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee seals victory at the Emirates. Credit: Reuters |
United had taken the lead through Bruno Fernandes’ curling effort, but the game changed when Diogo Dalot received his marching orders for a reckless tackle. Arsenal capitalized, with Gabriel’s deflected strike putting them ahead. A questionable penalty was then awarded to Arsenal, but Bayindir’s heroics kept the scores level.
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur avoided a massive upset, requiring extra time to beat fifth-tier Tamworth 3-0. Nathan Tshikuna’s own goal broke the deadlock, with Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson adding late finishes.
Newcastle United also faced a tricky tie against fourth-tier Bromley, falling behind before goals from Lewis Miley, Anthony Gordon, and William Osula secured a 3-1 victory.
Ipswich Town, languishing in the Premier League relegation zone, found solace in the FA Cup, comfortably dispatching League One side Bristol Rovers 3-0 courtesy of goals from Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke, and Jack Taylor.
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| Soccer Football – FA Cup – Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez celebrates victory. Credit: Reuters |
Crystal Palace and Southampton, both struggling in the Premier League, found solace in the cup as well. Palace edged past third-tier Stockport 1-0 thanks to Eberechi Eze’s early strike, while Southampton cruised past Swansea City 3-0 with Tyler Dibling bagging a brace.
League Two side Doncaster Rovers also punched above their weight, beating Championship outfit Hull City 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The FA Cup’s third round concludes with several fixtures on Monday and Tuesday, promising more excitement and potential upsets.
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