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The FA Cup third round delivered drama, goals, and history this weekend, with Premier League giants showcasing their quality against lower-league opposition while some fascinating upsets kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Manchester City demolish Exeter in record-equalling win
Manchester City produced a stunning display of attacking football, thrashing League One side Exeter City 10-1 at the Etihad Stadium. The result equals the club's biggest-ever victory, matching wins from 1926 and 1987.
New signing Antoine Semenyo, who arrived from Bournemouth earlier this week, enjoyed a dream debut with a goal and an assist. Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders also found the net with a composed finish into the far corner, while Rodri marked his return to scoring with a spectacular 30-yard strike – his first goal since May 2024.
Rico Lewis grabbed a brace, with Max Alleyne, Nico O'Reilly, and youngster Ryan McAidoo completing the scoring. Two own goals from Exeter defenders Jake Doyle-Hayes and Jack Fitzwater added to the visitors' misery before George Birch grabbed a consolation in the 90th minute.
Keeper Roefs becomes Sunderland's penalty hero
Sunderland advanced at the expense of Everton thanks to a remarkable penalty shootout performance from goalkeeper Robin Roefs. The 22-year-old Dutchman saved all three Everton spot-kicks to secure a 3-0 shootout victory after the match ended 1-1.
Enzo Le Fée had given Sunderland the lead after 30 minutes, but James Garner converted a late penalty to force extra time. When the additional period couldn't separate the sides, Roefs took centre stage, denying Garner, Thierno Barry, and Beto in succession. Brian Brobbey came off the bench for Sunderland but was substituted during extra time.
Aston Villa knock out Tottenham in North London
Aston Villa ended Tottenham Hotspur's FA Cup hopes with a 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The match featured a strong Dutch contingent, with Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons starting for Spurs, while Marco Bizot, Ian Maatsen, Lamare Bogarde, and Donyell Malen lined up for the visitors.
It was Malen who played a crucial role, providing the assist for Emiliano Buendia's opener. Morgan Rogers doubled Villa's advantage before half-time. Wilson Odobert pulled one back for Spurs early in the second half, and Simons thought he had equalised after rounding Bizot, only to see the flag raised for offside. The defeat compounds a difficult season for Tottenham, who sit 14th in the Premier League and have now exited both domestic cup competitions.
Hato opens Chelsea account in comfortable win
Jorrel Hato scored his first Chelsea goal as the Blues cruised to a 5-1 victory at Charlton Athletic. The Dutch defender, who joined from Ajax last summer, opened the scoring before Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernández added to the tally. The match also marked Liam Rosenior's debut as Chelsea's new head coach.
Brighton Add to Manchester United's Woes
Manchester United's turbulent season continued with a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton. Playing under interim manager Darren Fletcher following Rúben Amorim's dismissal earlier in the week, United fell behind inside 12 minutes when Brajan Gruda scored after Georginio Rutter's header was cleared off the line. Former United academy product Danny Welbeck doubled Brighton's lead in the second half with a fine finish. Benjamin Sesko's late goal proved mere consolation as the Red Devils' season lurched from crisis to crisis.
