The FA Cup fourth round draw saw a mix of expected victories and surprising upsets. Liverpool, despite resting several key players, comfortably dispatched League Two side Accrington Stanley 4-0 at Anfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold, captaining the side in Virgil van Dijk’s absence, responded to recent criticism with a spectacular strike, adding to goals from Diogo Jota, Jayden Danns, and a first Liverpool goal for the injury-prone Federico Chiesa. While acknowledging the positive performance, Liverpool manager Arne Slot cautioned against reading too much into the win given the difference in league positions between the two sides.
Chelsea also enjoyed a dominant display, cruising to a 5-0 victory over Morecambe. Joao Felix seized a rare starting opportunity in the absence of Cole Palmer, netting a brace. Tosin Adarabioyo also scored twice, while Christopher Nkunku added another goal to his impressive season tally, having earlier missed a penalty. This resounding win provides a much-needed boost for Chelsea after a string of inconsistent performances.
In a shocking upset, Brentford, known for their strong home record in the Premier League, fell to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle. Despite being bottom of the Championship and winless away from home all season, Plymouth stunned Brentford with a late winner from Morgan Whittaker, securing a memorable 1-0 victory just 12 days after sacking manager Wayne Rooney. This upset highlights the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest continued their impressive form with a 2-0 win over Luton, solidifying their position as surprise contenders this season. Brighton secured a convincing 4-0 victory at Norwich, with Georginio Rutter bagging a brace. Bournemouth, despite recent injury setbacks to their strikers Evanilson and Enes Unal, bounced back from a goal down to thrash West Brom 5-1, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess. Leicester City produced a goal-fest, defeating QPR 6-2 in a thrilling encounter at the King Power Stadium.
Later in the day, Manchester City faced a unique challenge against Salford City, a club owned by a consortium of former Manchester United stars. The investment from David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Nicky Butt has propelled Salford’s rise through the non-league ranks since 2014, creating a fascinating subplot for this FA Cup tie. Another celebrity-owned club, Birmingham City, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, had already progressed to the fourth round after a 2-1 victory over Lincoln.
Wolves continued their positive start under new manager Vitor Pereira, securing a 2-1 win at Bristol City thanks to early goals from Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rodrigo Gomes. This win further solidifies Wolves’ resurgence under Pereira’s leadership and suggests a promising future for the club. The FA Cup fourth round draw provided a compelling mix of predictable outcomes and unexpected upsets, showcasing the unique magic of the competition and setting the stage for further exciting clashes in the rounds to come.
The Liverpool victory, while impressive, needs to be viewed in context. Accrington Stanley, playing several leagues below Liverpool, were always going to be massive underdogs. The game provided valuable minutes for some fringe players and a confidence boost for Alexander-Arnold, but the true test for Liverpool will come against tougher opposition. Similarly, Chelsea’s win, though dominant, came against a lower-league side.
Brentford’s shock defeat to Plymouth underscores the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup. Plymouth, despite their struggles in the Championship, were able to capitalize on Brentford’s complacency and secure a memorable victory. This result serves as a reminder that even the most favored teams can be vulnerable in cup competitions. The other results, including Nottingham Forest’s win and Bournemouth’s comeback victory, further highlight the competitive nature of the FA Cup.
The Manchester City vs. Salford City matchup adds an intriguing dimension to the fourth round. The involvement of the former Manchester United stars as owners of Salford City creates a unique narrative and adds extra spice to the encounter. The success of Salford City under their ownership is a testament to the impact of strategic investment and ambition. The Birmingham City victory, backed by the star power of Tom Brady, adds another layer of celebrity interest to the FA Cup.
The Wolves victory under Vitor Pereira reinforces the positive impact he has had since taking charge. The early goals demonstrated Wolves’ attacking intent and their ability to capitalize on opportunities. This win builds momentum for Wolves as they look to climb the Premier League table and make a push for European qualification. Overall, the FA Cup fourth round provided a mix of expected results and unexpected upsets, showcasing the unique charm and unpredictability of the competition. The stories of underdogs triumphing, celebrity-owned clubs progressing, and established teams asserting their dominance create a compelling narrative that will continue to unfold in the later rounds.
