The Emirates FA Cup once again delivered a weekend of unforgettable drama, as holders Crystal Palace crashed out in historic fashion, Manchester City ran riot, and penalty shootouts pushed nerves to breaking point. Saturday’s third-round action featured 13 Premier League clubs, with nine progressing amid shocks, statement wins and emotional storylines.
Macclesfield Rock Holders Palace in FA Cup Earthquake
Defending champions Crystal Palace suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in FA Cup history, as sixth-tier Macclesfield FC bridged a 117-place league gap to win 2-1 at Moss Rose.
Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts sealed a result that made Macclesfield the first non-league side in 108 years to eliminate the FA Cup holders. Dawson struck just before half-time with a towering header, before Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead shortly before the hour with a moment of improvisational brilliance.
Palace threatened a late escape when Yeremy Pino curled in a superb 90th-minute free-kick, but Macclesfield survived six agonising minutes of stoppage time to spark scenes of wild celebration.
The result compounded a miserable run for Palace, now nine games without a win, and manager Oliver Glasner was blunt in his assessment.
“We missed any kind of quality today. We lost and we deserved to lose,” Glasner admitted.
The historic upset was made even more poignant as Macclesfield dedicated the victory to late striker Ethan McLeod, whose parents were present at the ground.
Man City 10-1 Exeter City: Semenyo Stars on Dream Debut
Manchester City equalled their biggest-ever FA Cup win, demolishing Exeter City 10-1 in a ruthless display at the Etihad.
New signing Antoine Semenyo scored and assisted on his debut just one day after joining from Bournemouth, becoming the first City player to do so on debut since Sergio Agüero in 2011. Rico Lewis netted twice, while City benefitted from two Exeter own goals as they raced into a four-goal half-time lead.
A top-flight side had not scored 10 or more in an FA Cup match since Tottenham’s 13-2 win in 1960, underlining the scale of City’s dominance.
Charlton Athletic 1-5 Chelsea: Rosenior’s Perfect Start
Chelsea made light work of Championship side Charlton in Liam Rosenior’s first match in charge, winning 5-1 at The Valley.
Teenage defender Jorrel Hato opened the scoring just before half-time, followed by goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernández. Eight changes did little to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm in a commanding display.
Newcastle 3-3 Bournemouth (Newcastle win 7-6 on penalties)
Newcastle produced another late show, edging Bournemouth in a breathless tie settled by penalties at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon’s fifth-minute stoppage-time penalty forced extra time, before dramatic goals from Harvey Barnes and Marcus Tavernier extended the contest further. In sudden death, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale emerged as the hero, saving to send Newcastle through 7-6 on penalties.
Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa: Pressure Mounts on Frank
Tottenham’s difficult season continued as Aston Villa knocked them out with a 2-1 away win.
Goals from Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers put Villa in control before Spurs rallied late through Wilson Odobert. Despite second-half pressure, Spurs could not find an equaliser, extending a run of one win in seven games and increasing scrutiny on head coach Thomas Frank.
Wolves 6-1 Shrewsbury Town: Larsen Ends Goal Drought
Jørgen Strand Larsen scored the first Wolves FA Cup hat-trick since 1987 as they swept aside Shrewsbury Town.
The Norway striker, without a goal in 13 games, netted three times as Wolves progressed comfortably, providing a rare bright moment amid their Premier League relegation battle.
Everton 1-1 Sunderland (Sunderland win 3-0 on penalties)
Robin Roefs was the hero as Sunderland eliminated Everton, saving all three penalties he faced in a dominant shootout display.
After late drama in normal time, Luke O’Nien converted the decisive spot-kick to continue Sunderland’s remarkable season following their return to the Premier League.
Other Results
Burnley 5-1 Millwall: Ashley Barnes scored twice as Burnley brushed aside Championship opposition.
Fulham 3-1 Middlesbrough: Harry Wilson continued his fine form as Fulham came from behind.
Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Brentford: A professional, drama-free win for an in-form Brentford side.
FA Cup Delivers Again
From non-league fairy tales to Premier League power statements, Saturday’s action reaffirmed why the FA Cup remains football’s most unpredictable and cherished competition. With giants falling and momentum building, the fourth round now promises even more chaos—and magic.
Source: Premier League
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