It’s early January which can only mean one thing… the start of the FA Cup third round and where the bigger clubs enter the competition.
The magic of the Cup can mean some shocks do happen and here are TIBS News’ five winners and losers from the third-round action.
THE WINNERS
5. Chelsea
Sunday’s 4-0 victory over Morecombe was a much-needed win for Frank Lampard after Chelsea had only won one of their last five matches going into this tie.
The Blues have qualified for the fourth round every year since 1999 and continued that through goals from Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz. For Werner, he ended his 13-game drought without a goal just before half-time.
Lampard will hope this win will give his side some confidence going into the west London derby against Fulham on Saturday evening.
4. Aston Villa
Despite not being able to play a strong team against Liverpool on Friday night, Villa’s youngsters did themselves and the club proud as they went into half-time level at 1-1. They lasted brilliantly until Liverpool got their act together on 61 minutes.
With an average age of just 18, the young Villains defended well during the first hour of the game. For Louie Barry it was extra special too as he scored for his boyhood club on debut.
3. Sheffield United
The Blades picked up their first win of the season and it was a big one in the context of their bleak campaign so far. Their 3-2 win at Bristol Rovers was their first victory in 21 games in all competitions and provides them with a welcome distraction from the Premier League.
For manager Chris Wilder it was also his 100th win in charge of Sheffield United and he will hope this result gives his side confidence ahead of Tuesday’s league clash at home to Newcastle.
2. Crawley Town
Crawley Town of League Two produced the upset of the weekend after knocking out Premier League opponents Leeds United.
Crawley aren’t strangers to an upset with the Reds beating higher opposition previously in the Cup in recent years. Two goals in three minutes helped Crawley take control of the game before adding a third in the 70th minute. The win continues a good run of form for the League Two side as they’re now unbeaten in 10 games.
1. Chorley
The National League North side have made it to the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history, after beating a Derby County side hit by Covid. The Magpies made history on Saturday afternoon and the win also means they have won as many games in this season’s FA Cup run than they have in their entire history in the competition.
It’s a victory that also boosts the finances of the non-league club, especially during Covid. They are the lowest ranked team left in the competition.
THE LOSERS
5. Southampton and Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town had their game called off against Southampton on Saturday due to spread of Covid among the squad. As a result, the League One side were unable to field a team. A massive blow for Shrewsbury as they have lost out on a potential FA Cup upset and missed out on the finances that come with playing in the competition.
Southampton could be annoyed that the game was called off due to the impending fixture congestion that will occur once the tie is rescheduled.
4. Sergio Aguero
The Citizens striker looked set to make his return to the side following a spell on the sidelines due to injuries. It was revealed after the game that Aguero had come into close contact with someone who has since tested positive for Covid. The Argentine has returned a negative Covid test but under coronavirus protocols he must now isolate for 10 days – meaning he will miss City’s next two Premier League games.
It’s an unfortunate event due to the fact Aguero has only made nine appearances so far this season, scoring twice.
3. Crystal Palace
With the halfway mark of the season arriving Crystal Palace find themselves out of the Carabao Cup and now FA Cup after a disappointing night at fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 1-0 loss means the Eagles have exited the Cup at the third-round stage in back-to-back seasons.
Palace are currently 14th in the Premier League and will now need to focus on not getting sucked into a relegation battle.
2. Leeds United
Perhaps a chance missed by Leeds to have a Cup run this year, as a relegation battle doesn’t seem on the cards for them this season. Leeds were the strong favourites against Crawley but failed to make their quality count.
The defeat continues Leeds’ poor recent form in the FA Cup as they have now bowed out at the third round for four-straight seasons.
1. West Brom
A big shock in the sense of a Premier League side losing to a League One side. Losing 3-2 on pens, West Brom are still without a win since Sam Allardyce took over from Slavan Bilic in December.
Defeat in the Cup will not help with the confidence ahead of the task of staying in the Premier league either.
By Chris Boxx
