FA Cup Fourth Round: Big Teams Win, Some Teams Surprise

The FA Cup fourth round had some exciting games. Many big teams like Manchester United won and will play in the next round. Some smaller teams also played very well and showed they can be strong.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

The FA Cup fourth round saw a mix of expected outcomes and surprising results, as top-tier teams navigated ties against lower-league opposition. Several Premier League clubs advanced, but not without facing challenges. Meanwhile, non-League Macclesfield's impressive run in the competition continued, offering a potential giant-killing narrative. The weekend's fixtures also provided individual player performances worthy of note, underscoring the enduring appeal of this historic tournament.

Key Matches and Outcomes

The fourth round featured seventeen Premier League clubs vying for a spot in the fifth round. While many secured progression, the competition proved that form and past results do not always dictate outcomes.

FA Cup fourth round: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action - 1

  • Macclesfield's Persistence: The non-League side, Macclesfield, continued their FA Cup journey. Having already caused an upset against Crystal Palace, they faced Brentford in their latest tie. The team, under the guidance of John Rooney (brother of Wayne), had shown strong league form, entering the weekend with six wins in their last seven games. Their ability to challenge higher-ranked teams has made them a notable presence in this season's cup.

  • Premier League Giants Advance: Several of the league's prominent teams were in action. Manchester United secured a victory over Leicester City with a 2-1 scoreline. However, the path for others was not always straightforward. Manchester City, last season's finalists, faced a Leyton Orient side from League One, a fixture presented as potentially more challenging than a simple win might suggest.

  • Notable Results:

  • Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City

  • Coventry City 1-4 Ipswich Town: A brace from Jack Clarke was a highlight in Ipswich Town's comfortable win.

  • Blackburn 0-2 Wolves: Wolves secured a victory, with one report highlighting the performance of Cunha and another player's career trajectory.

  • Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Chelsea: This fixture was scheduled for Sunday evening, with Brighton's Georginio Rutter noted for his recent scoring form, netting his fifth goal in his last six appearances.

Emerging Narratives and Performances

Beyond the match results, specific player contributions and team dynamics offered insights into the FA Cup's unfolding story.

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  • Individual Brilliance:

  • Georginio Rutter's resurgence for Brighton was a key talking point, with his headed equalizer against Chelsea marking a significant upturn in his scoring rate.

  • The performance of Jebbison for Everton was also mentioned, noting his scoring record at Goodison Park.

  • Squad Dynamics: Reports touched upon player development and contract situations. For instance, the impact of Cunha's new contract was framed as potentially strengthening Wolves' squad, with an observation that he can "decide a game, create a chance, assist and do everything." Conversely, a player at Manchester City was discussed in terms of his transition from a high-scoring past at Aston Villa to a more limited role.

Broader Context of the Fourth Round

The FA Cup fourth round presented a crucial stage for clubs aiming to advance in the prestigious knockout competition. With many Premier League sides involved, the potential for upsets and the emergence of compelling narratives remained high.

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FA Cup fourth round: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action - 2

  • Fifth Round Draw Anticipation: As the fourth round fixtures unfolded, the focus also turned to the upcoming fifth-round draw, a key moment for all remaining teams.

  • Lower League Ambition: The continued presence of teams like Macclesfield highlighted the FA Cup's capacity to offer a platform for lower-division clubs to achieve significant milestones and capture national attention.

  • Club Records: The fixture list provided context for past encounters, noting that Fulham had a strong record against lower-league opposition in the FA Cup, remaining unbeaten in their last five such matches.

Expert Insights

While direct quotes from dedicated football analysts were limited in the provided data, the reporting itself conveyed an analytical tone. The emphasis on player statistics, tactical implications (like Macclesfield's 3G pitch), and comparisons between past and present performance levels suggest a thoughtful approach to evaluating the weekend's action. The phrasing, such as questioning whether Macclesfield could "pull off another huge shock," frames the potential outcomes as subjects for reasoned observation rather than definitive prediction.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The FA Cup fourth round delivered a compelling spectacle, marked by the progression of established clubs and the tenacious spirit of lower-league sides. Macclesfield's impressive form presented a persistent narrative of potential giant-killing, while Premier League teams like Manchester United secured passage, though challenges from unexpected quarters were evident. Player performances, such as Georginio Rutter's scoring streak, added individual highlights to the weekend's proceedings. The tournament's structure, with its inherent potential for upsets and the upcoming fifth-round draw, continues to generate significant interest.

Sources

  • Sky Sports: Provides coverage on the FA Cup fourth round, specifically highlighting Macclesfield's prospects against Brentford and their previous upset.

  • Link: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/13506673/fa-cup-fourth-round-liverpool-arsenal-man-city-chelsea-newcastle-aston-villa-and-more-in-action-this-weekend

  • Premier League (Article 2): Offers a comprehensive overview of Premier League involvement in the FA Cup fourth round, including a full fixture list and key team statistics.

  • Link: https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4243408

  • Premier League (Article 4): Focuses on the takeaways from Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round matches, detailing specific player performances and game summaries.

  • Link: https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4243761

  • Inkl: Presents a collection of talking points from the FA Cup fourth round action, including analysis of individual players and team performances.

  • Link: https://www.inkl.com/news/fa-cup-fourth-round-10-talking-points-from-the-weekend-s-action-943b9f22-7804-4f85-a7a0-6174ed17efd5

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which big teams won in the FA Cup fourth round?
Manchester United won against Leicester City. Many other Premier League teams also won their games.
Q: Did any smaller teams do well?
Yes, Macclesfield, a non-league team, continued their good run in the cup. They showed they can play well against bigger teams.
Q: What were some of the scores?
Manchester United beat Leicester City 2-1. Ipswich Town won 4-1 against Coventry City. Wolves won 2-0 against Blackburn.