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The fourth round of the 2024-2025 FA Cup delivered several thrilling matches. Defending champions Manchester United narrowly avoided elimination against Leicester City, while Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion managed to turn around difficult encounters to secure victories. In this article we look at the results of these matches on the road to the FA Cup final.
Manchester United Snatches Victory Against Leicester City
Manchester United struggled but ultimately secured their place in the next round of the FA Cup. Ruben Amorim's team won 2-1 at Old Trafford against Leicester City, now managed by former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Leicester took the lead just before halftime through Bobby Decordova-Reid, who headed in a rebound from close range after an initial save by André Onana. In the second half, Amorim brought on Joshua Zirkzee, and the Dutch striker made an immediate impact by smashing in the equalizer.
In the dying moments of the match, former Leicester defender Harry Maguire headed in the winning goal from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick. Maguire appeared to be in an offside position, but since VAR is not used at this stage of the FA Cup, the goal stood. United moves on, while Leicester and Van Nistelrooy face a bitter elimination.
Leyton Orient’s Wonder Goal Not Enough Against Manchester City
Manchester City had an unexpectedly tough challenge against League One side Leyton Orient. The underdogs even took the lead midway through the first half thanks to a sensational goal from Jamie Donley. The young forward, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, intercepted a pass and unleashed a stunning long-range shot. His strike hit the crossbar, bounced off goalkeeper Stefan Ortega’s back, and ended up in the net, sending the stadium into wild celebrations.
However, City restored order in the second half. Abdukodir Khusanov, the Uzbek defender who joined from RC Lens this winter for €40 million, netted the equalizer and proved to be a valuable addition for Pep Guardiola. Kevin De Bruyne eventually sealed the win in the final minutes, finishing from a tight angle after receiving a pass from Jack Grealish. City narrowly avoided an embarrassing exit with a 2-1 win.
Brighton Knocks Out Chelsea Despite Verbruggen’s Blunder
Chelsea suffered another setback in an already disappointing season, getting eliminated by Brighton & Hove Albion, who had three Dutch players in their starting lineup and won 2-1.
The match started terribly for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The Netherlands international mishandled a cross from Cole Palmer in the fifth minute, inadvertently knocking it into his own net to give Chelsea an early lead. However, Brighton quickly responded, equalizing in the 12th minute through Georginio Rutter, assisted by Joël Veltman.
After halftime, Brighton struck again. Kaoru Mitoma reacted swiftly to a Rutter cross and slotted the ball home, making it 2-1. Chelsea pushed for a late equalizer, but Brighton’s defense held firm. The blues’ disappointing campaign continues, while Brighton advances to the round of 16.
