Didier Drogba’s extra-time delight over Man United at the first final played at the new Wembley, Kanu’s strike in Portsmouth’s unbelievable victory over Cardiff City, Wigan Athletic beating Manchester City in the final but were relegated from the Premier League in the same season in 2013...
This is the magic of the FA cup!
Round 5 Wrap-up:
It didn’t take long for The FA Cup to reignite the romance that it is so synonymous with. The very first shock came on February 18th, Burnley had not been defeated at home all season and it was the mightiest of minnows, Lincoln City who defied all the odds when they travelled to Turf Moor. Courtesy of an 89th minute strike and the help of goal-line technology they became the first non-league side in over 100 years to reach the quarter-finals.
It has been ten days since Arsenal’s triumph at National League side Sutton United. However, it was Man City who wrapped up a scintillating set of fixtures in the English FA Cup Fifth Round last night – the only game that required a replay - as they hammered Huddersfield at the Etihad Stadium. The two sides played out a drab draw nearly a fortnight ago, with both teams failing to find the net. It was a totally different affair in the second leg. 6 goals were produced on an evening when City, who after going behind as early as the seventh minute cruised to a 5-1 win. A brace from Sergio Aguero, back in the fold under Pep Guardiola with Gabriel Jesus out injured, helped his team to victory.
Middlesbrough scored late in the game to break Oxford United’s hearts, who had drawn themselves level after being 2-0 down at the break. Millwall piled more pressure on Claudio Ranieri as they beat the champions, Leicester City. Premier League giants Chelsea, Tottenham and Man United came through their fixtures unscathed as they recorded comfortable away wins over Championship Sides Wolves, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers respectively. Diego Costa (19), Harry Kane (19) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (24) all found the back of the net yet again.
Round 6 preview:
Arsene Wenger will once again be tested against non-league opposition. Lincoln City will relish their chance at the Emirates Stadium. They will be hoping to keep the dream alive against an Arsenal side who have only been defeated 3 times at home all season.
The Citizens will travel to Middlesbrough who they last beat back in 2010 in the FA Cup. This could prove a hard fixture for Guardiola’s men with Boro expected to bring their A-game on the day.
Christian Eriksen and co. will be looking to book their place in the semi-finals as Tottenham face a second London Derby in as many rounds when they host Millwall. Spurs have not lost at White Hart Lane all season (their only home defeats came in Europe where matches were played at Wembley) and will be looking to continue their fine form.
Undoubtedly the standout fixture of the last-8 is a mouth-watering clash at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho and his United side will return to Chelsea for the first time since being humbled 4-0 back in October. They have not beaten Chelsea in their previous 11 meetings since October 2012 when Robin Van Persie and Javier Hernandez were on the scoresheet.
6th round ties to be played 11th,12th, 13th March 2017