FA Cup and the magic it serves

Nottingham Forest host Arsenal on Sunday in the FA Cup, how will this pan out? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Manchester City, Chelsea and every premier league side that have played in the FA Cup so far have named a strong side against their opponents, it’s an indication that they now respect the oldest cup competition.

There’s a special feeling that comes with winning trophies no matter how little, but have you met the FA Cup and the magic that comes with it? City swept aside Swindon but did you see how the lower league side celebrated their goal?

Chesterfield were five goals down when substitute Asante scored a solitary consolation goal, they celebrated like they won the UEFA champions league, that’s how special it is to score an FA Cup goal against a big side.

Step forward Newcastle United, in a way you can say they need to concentrate on their league campaign but there’s also a momentum that comes with winning a game, Eddie Howe also handed a start to new recruit Kieran Trippier but all ended in defeat…

League 1 side Cambridge United beat Newcastle at St. James’s Park, it’s unacceptable for the situation at Newcastle, scrutiny sets in on the place of the manager and you wonder if he’s the right man for the job, you can’t blame the critics now.

Crystal Palace survived a scare as championship side Millwall took the game to them, former Arsenal striker Benik Afobe scored early in the game but Michael Olise and J. Mateta scored in the second half to send the Eagles to the fourth round.

Huddersfield served another upset as they beat Burnley at Turf Moor, like it is for Newcastle you can say Burnley need to fight for their topflight status but they fielded their best available, they wanted to win but the Terriers were stronger in beliefs.

Leicester City beat Watford cleanly, the Hornets also need to focus on the premier league so cup distractions can wait till next season, it is what it is but you need to applaud the Foxes, depleted by everything possible, injuries, covid and AFCON representation, they still went ahead to do the needful, put some respect on their name.

Brentford beat Port Vale silly, Mbeumo scored his first topflight hatrick and you can imagine his popularity on the premier league fantasy league; Southampton were reduced to ten and then needed extra time to best Swansea 3-2, it was fun to watch.

Everton needed same extra time to deliver same result, Hull City had to come from behind twice to force extra time but there was nothing they could do to Andros Townsend’s fierce strike that ended the contest although the goalkeeper should have done better.

Brighton also needed extra time to beat Westbrom, despite having a man advantage, Neal Maupay scored eight minutes into the first half of the extra time to send the Seagulls into the fourth round.

Sunday fixtures involes a couple of high profile games, Westham vs Leeds United is one of them with the Hammers needing strong result to drive their top four push, momentum is everything but Leeds United don’t even know when they’re losing, they’re always a fun to watch.

And then Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest, there are some covid cases in the Arsenal set up but manager Mikel Arteta is back from isolation and the Gunners will be looking to pick things up, note that the last two times Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, they went on to win it…