The FA Cup fourth round witnessed a series of upsets and captivating matches, with Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma delivering a decisive blow to Chelsea’s ambitions. Mitoma’s late goal sealed a 2-1 victory for Brighton, sending the struggling London giants crashing out of the competition. Chelsea’s woes continued as they relinquished an early lead, highlighting their ongoing struggles under Graham Potter. The loss extends their trophy drought, having last won a domestic cup in 2018. Brighton, on the other hand, rebounded impressively from their humiliating 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, showcasing their resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, endured a nervy encounter against third-tier Leyton Orient. Despite the significant gulf in league positions, City found themselves trailing early in the game, courtesy of a fortuitous goal for Orient. Jamie Donley’s long-range effort struck the crossbar and rebounded off City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, giving the underdogs a shock lead. City eventually levelled the score through an own goal by Abdukodir Khusanov, before Kevin De Bruyne’s late strike secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Pep Guardiola’s side avoided a potential upset but the close call served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup. The victory, however, came at a cost with new signing Nico Gonzalez suffering an injury just 22 minutes into his debut.
Newcastle United staged a comeback victory against Birmingham City, winning 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Birmingham took an early lead but Newcastle quickly responded with goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson. Tomoki Iwata levelled for Birmingham with a stunning strike before half-time, but Willock struck again late in the second half to secure Newcastle’s passage to the next round. The win added to Newcastle’s positive momentum, following their recent League Cup final qualification.
Struggling Premier League side Southampton suffered further disappointment as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Burnley. Scott Parker’s Burnley continued their impressive defensive form, securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a debut goal from Marcus Edwards. The clean sheet extended Burnley’s remarkable run, having not conceded a goal in almost 600 minutes of play. Southampton, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and their FA Cup exit adds to their growing list of woes.
Everton’s last FA Cup tie at Goodison Park before their move to a new stadium ended in defeat as they were beaten 2-0 by Bournemouth. Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Dan Jebbison sealed the victory for Bournemouth, adding to Everton’s disappointing season. Elsewhere, Fulham secured a 2-1 win against Wigan, with Rodrigo Muniz scoring twice for the London side. Ipswich Town enjoyed a resounding 4-1 victory against Coventry City, with Jack Clarke scoring twice for the Tractor Boys. Millwall progressed to the fifth round for the first time since 2018-19, thanks to a 2-0 win over Championship leaders Leeds United, with Femi Azeez bagging a brace.
The FA Cup fourth round provided a mix of expected outcomes and surprising upsets, demonstrating the unique magic of the competition. Premier League giants like Chelsea and Manchester City faced challenges from lower-league opposition, highlighting the unpredictable nature of knockout football. While City managed to navigate their tricky tie, Chelsea stumbled, adding to their growing list of concerns. The results underscored the ability of lower-league teams to raise their game against higher-ranked opponents, adding to the excitement and drama of the FA Cup. The competition continues to provide a platform for smaller clubs to shine and for established teams to face unexpected challenges, making it a truly captivating spectacle. The remaining teams in the competition will be looking forward to the fifth round draw and the prospect of further progress in the prestigious tournament.
The FA Cup’s allure lies in its ability to level the playing field, offering lower-league teams a chance to test their mettle against Premier League giants. This round of matches saw several such David versus Goliath clashes, with varying outcomes. While Manchester City ultimately prevailed against Leyton Orient, they were given a real scare by the lower-league side, reminding everyone that anything can happen in the FA Cup. Chelsea, on the other hand, fell victim to a giant-killing, crashing out to a resurgent Brighton side. These results underscore the unique charm of the competition, where underdogs have the opportunity to dream and giants can be humbled.
Beyond the headlines, the FA Cup also provides a platform for individual brilliance and unexpected heroes to emerge. Kaoru Mitoma’s match-winning performance for Brighton was a testament to his growing stature in the Premier League. Similarly, Rodrigo Muniz’s double for Fulham and Femi Azeez’s brace for Millwall highlighted the impact individuals can have in cup competitions. These moments of individual brilliance add to the rich tapestry of FA Cup folklore, creating memories that last a lifetime.
The FA Cup’s significance extends beyond the individual matches and results. For clubs like Southampton, struggling in the Premier League, the FA Cup offered a potential respite, a chance to escape the pressures of the relegation battle and focus on a different challenge. However, their defeat to Burnley further compounded their woes, adding to the growing sense of crisis at the club. For Newcastle, on the other hand, their FA Cup victory provided further momentum and positive vibes following their League Cup final qualification, solidifying their resurgence under Eddie Howe.
The FA Cup’s fourth round provided a glimpse into the diverse narratives and storylines that unfold throughout the competition. From giant-killings to individual brilliance, from moments of despair to surges of hope, the FA Cup continues to capture the imagination of football fans across the country. As the competition progresses, the remaining teams will be vying for a place in the latter stages, dreaming of a trip to Wembley and the chance to lift the coveted trophy.
The FA Cup remains a unique and cherished competition in the English football calendar. Its ability to create memorable moments and provide opportunities for unexpected heroes makes it a truly special tournament. From the early rounds to the final, the FA Cup offers a platform for dreams to be realized and for history to be made. The fourth round
