At least 11 teams have secured their places in the fifth round of this year’s FA Cup following the completion of fourth-round fixtures on Friday and Saturday. The matches delivered excitement, drama, and a few surprises, with some of England’s top clubs battling their way into the next stage of the prestigious competition.
Manchester United were the first team to book their spot, courtesy of a dramatic late header from Harry Maguire against Leicester City. The match at Old Trafford ended in controversy, as the Red Devils secured a narrow 2-1 victory, with Leicester players protesting the winning goal. Despite the debates surrounding Maguire’s strike, United progressed to the fifth round, keeping their hopes of FA Cup glory alive.
Manchester City also advanced but not without a scare. The defending champions found themselves trailing against Leyton Orient, raising the possibility of an upset. However, City showed their resilience and quality, overturning the deficit to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Pep Guardiola’s men, who are still in contention for multiple trophies this season, now move one step closer to another potential FA Cup triumph.
Elsewhere, Millwall continued their impressive run by claiming a 2-0 victory over Leeds United. The Championship side produced a disciplined performance, frustrating their Premier League opponents and capitalizing on their defensive lapses. Leeds, who were hoping for a deep FA Cup run, saw their journey cut short in disappointing fashion.
Ipswich Town delivered one of the standout performances of the round, thrashing Coventry City 4-1 in an emphatic display. Ipswich were dominant throughout, showing their attacking prowess and clinical finishing. The result left Coventry with no answers, as Ipswich marched confidently into the next stage.
Bournemouth also celebrated progression after securing a 2-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. The Cherries put in a solid away performance, punishing Everton’s defensive frailties. It was a frustrating evening for Sean Dyche’s men, who struggled to break down Bournemouth’s compact defense and failed to capitalize on their home advantage.
Burnley earned a place in the fifth round with a slender 1-0 victory over Southampton. In a tightly contested encounter, Burnley’s discipline and organization proved decisive, as they managed to edge past their opponents. The result keeps their FA Cup hopes alive as they aim to make an impact in the competition.
Cardiff City needed penalties to see off Stoke City in one of the most dramatic matches of the round. After a hard-fought contest that ended in a stalemate, Cardiff held their nerve in the shootout to progress. Penalty shootouts always add an element of unpredictability, and Cardiff managed to handle the pressure better than their opponents.
Fulham also booked their spot in the next round after a battling 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic. The London club had to dig deep to secure the win, facing a determined Wigan side that refused to go down without a fight. Fulham’s ability to grind out results in such matches will be crucial as they continue their cup journey.
Newcastle United edged a thrilling 3-2 encounter against Birmingham City, ensuring their place in the fifth round. The Magpies were made to work hard for their victory, as Birmingham put up a spirited performance. However, Newcastle’s attacking firepower proved too much in the end, as they emerged victorious in a five-goal thriller.
Preston North End secured their progression in dramatic fashion, overcoming Wycombe Wanderers in a penalty shootout after a hard-fought battle. The match ended in a 4-2 shootout victory for Preston, who kept their composure from the spot to seal their place in the next round.
One of the biggest shocks of the round came at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea suffered an early exit at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion. The Blues had taken an early lead in the match when Cole Palmer’s shot was spilled into the net by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The home side looked in control at that point, but Brighton responded in spectacular fashion.
Georginio Rutter equalized for Brighton, finding the net with a clinical finish. Chelsea’s defense, which had looked vulnerable at times this season, was exposed once again when Kaoru Mitoma completed the comeback for the Seagulls. Brighton’s spirited performance saw them knock out Mauricio Pochettino’s men, sending their fans into jubilation and leaving Chelsea’s FA Cup hopes in tatters.
With 11 teams now confirmed for the fifth round, the competition is heating up, and the remaining clubs will be eagerly awaiting the draw. The FA Cup has always been known for its unpredictable nature, and this season is proving to be no different. While some of the usual heavyweights like Manchester United and Manchester City have advanced, the competition has already claimed high-profile casualties, with Chelsea’s elimination serving as a reminder that no team is safe.
As the remaining fixtures take place, more clubs will look to join the 11 teams already through, hoping to keep their dreams of lifting the famous trophy alive. The FA Cup continues to deliver thrilling moments, and with each round, the intensity and stakes only increase. Football fans can expect more drama and excitement as the tournament progresses towards the business end.
The fifth-round draw will soon determine the matchups for the next stage, with teams now setting their sights on a deep run in the competition. With some underdogs still in the mix and the big clubs aiming to assert their dominance, the FA Cup remains as captivating as ever. The road to Wembley is still long, but for the 11 teams that have already secured their spots, the journey continues with renewed.
