We didn’t see any interesting matchups in last weekend’s FA Cup third round, with the big guns holding off challenges from relatively small clubs. Two clubs that need replays are Manchester United and Arsenal. The Red Devils faced West Ham United at Upton Park. With new recruit Joe Cole featuring in the game, the Boleyn Ground was soaking in an atmosphere of nostalgia, as Cole was a proud product of the Hammer’s youth academy. Interestingly it was Cole who created two goals for James Collins. Manchester United had to unleash Robin Van Persie to get the all-important goal at the 91st minute, earning themselves the opportunity of a replay.
West Ham’s Joe Cole helped his club with a 2-2 draw against the Red Devils
Arsenal’s away game at Swansea also ended with a 2-2 final score. First Michu and later Danny Graham scored for the home team, while goals from Lukas Podolski and Kieran Gibbs within three minutes earned the Gunners a replay at Emirates Stadium.
Manchester City and Chelsea progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with easy wins. Roberto Mancini welcomed his Italian pal Gianfranco Zola’s club Watford at Etihad Stadium. It was a game between one of the most fiscally tightened Championship sides and one of the richest clubs in England, or even Europe. City crushed their opponents with three goals and a clean sheet. Job done. On the same day, Chelsea beat Southampton 5-1 away, with new recruit Demba Ba grabbing a pair. Frank Lampard scored his seventh goal this season, after it had been acknowledged that no new contract would be offered to him after his current deal ends this summer. It was a sad week for the 34-year-old Mr Stamford Bridge, as he will not be able to hang up his boots with his beloved club, given he has no intention to retire.
Suárez’s controversial hand ball helped the Reds knock out Mansfield
Liverpool’s second string team visited Blue Square side Mansfield. Winter recruit Daniel Sturridge performed well through the channel, scoring a beautiful goal on his debut. However, the Reds couldn’t hold the momentum in the second half, as they had to rely on Luis Suárez’s controversial hand ball to see off the Stags. After the disappointing 2-1 against Mansfield, they are now preparing for the weekend’s tough trip to Old Trafford for their Premier League game. On the same weekend, title contender Manchester City will travel to Arsenal. With two big games, Super Sunday is coming!
