FA Cup Roundup: City Makes History As Burnley Crashes Out And Arsenal Cruises

The magic of the FA Cup delivered another unforgettable weekend filled with shocks, near-upsets, history-making runs, and elite dominance.

‎From third-tier Mansfield’s heroic giant-killing to Manchester City’s latest addition to the record books, the fourth round showed why this competition remains the most unpredictable trophy chase in football.

A Third-Tier Dream and a Premier League Nightmare

‎Mansfield Town produced a moment that will live forever in club folklore, stunning Burnley with a 2–1 comeback at Turf Moor. As relegation-threatened Burnley’s season continues to spiral, Mansfield is celebrating their greatest FA Cup run since 1975.

‎Scott Parker made nine changes to his Burnley starting XI, confident that a mid-table League One side would pose little danger. That confidence evaporated quickly. Burnley seemed on course for routine progress when Josh Laurent scored in the 21st minute.

‎But Mansfield grew in belief as the game went on. Rhys Oates ignited the fightback with a brave header eight minutes after the break.

‎Then came the moment of magic, Louis Reed bent in a stunning long-range free-kick in the 80th minute, sending the traveling Mansfield supporters into delirium. Burnley, overwhelmed and shaken, had no response.

‎Mansfield’s upset wasn’t as seismic as non-league Macclesfield defeating Crystal Palace last month, but it stands among the great FA Cup shocks of recent years.

‎A Record-Breaking Night at the Etihad

‎At the opposite end of the spectrum, Manchester City marched relentlessly forward, defeating fourth-tier Salford City 2–0. Pep Guardiola’s team was far from its dazzling best, but still comfortably secured a place in the fifth round.

‎An early own goal by Alfie Dorrington set City on their way, though the buildup involved Omar Marmoush in an offside position. With no VAR in operation, the goal stood.

‎City controlled the match without overwhelming Salford, who managed to avoid a repeat of last season’s 8–0 destruction.

‎Marc Guehi later added his second goal for City securing not only the win but a place in history. The victory marked City’s 17th consecutive FA Cup home win, equaling the all-time competition record and surpassing a 71-year streak previously held by Liverpool.

‎It continues a near-perfect week for Guardiola’s side, who are now within four points of Premier League leaders Arsenal and remain alive in all four major competitions.

‎Bizot’s Red Card Turns the Tide

‎At Villa Park, Aston Villa were punished for a moment of chaos as they surrendered a 1–0 lead and fell 3–1 to Newcastle United.

‎Tammy Abraham’s early strike gave Villa the advantage, but everything changed just before halftime. Goalkeeper Marco Bizot rushed out of his box and brought down Jacob Murphy in a desperate attempt to stop a clear scoring chance.

‎The red card was inevitable, and Villa never recovered.

‎Newcastle seized control. Sandro Tonali stepped into the spotlight with two composed finishes the second a crisp drive from distance showing the leadership normally provided by the absent Bruno Guimarães.

‎Nick Woltemade added the third after a defensive mix-up, sealing a statement comeback for the Magpies.

‎Summerville Saves the Hammers From Embarrassment

‎At the Pirelli Stadium, third-tier Burton Albion pushed West Ham United to the limit in a tense cup classic.

‎Burton fought with heart and organization, taking the tie to extra time. West Ham, battling relegation in the Premier League, struggled to break them down until substitute Crysencio Summerville produced a brilliant solo run and finish in the 95th minute.

‎Even then, nerves flared when Freddie Potts received a red card six minutes later, forcing West Ham to endure a tense finale.

‎Relief finally washed over the Hammers when the whistle blew but Burton walked away with heads held high.

‎Elsewhere on Saturday, Norwich overcame West Brom 3–1, while Southampton required extra time to get past Leicester 2–1.

‎First-Half Blitz From the Premier League Leaders

‎At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal reminded everyone why they remain one of the favorites for the trophy, demolishing Wigan Athletic 4–0 in front of over 60,000 fans.

‎The match was over by halftime. Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus all scored, with Wigan also conceding an unfortunate own goal from Jack Hunt as he attempted to cut out a dangerous Bukayo Saka cross.

‎Eberechi Eze, Arsenal’s major summer signing, was outstanding providing two assists and dominating the midfield with his creativity and pace.

‎With a record 14 FA Cup titles already, Arsenal’s pursuit of number 15 remains well on track.

‎Fulham, Sunderland, Wolves, and Leeds Also Advance

‎Fulham mounted a second-half comeback to beat Stoke City 2–1, with Harrison Reed capitalizing on a poor pass from goalkeeper Tommy Simkin to slot home the winner.

‎Sunderland progressed thanks to a first-half penalty from Habib Diarra against Oxford, while Wolves scraped out a 1–0 win over Grimsby through a goal from Santiago Bueno on a soaked pitch at Blundell Park.

‎Leeds endured the most dramatic path of the round. After a 1–1 draw with Birmingham with Lukas Nmecha scoring for Leeds and Patrick Roberts equalizing late the match went to penalties.

‎Goalkeeper Lucas Perri made a crucial save, and Sean Longstaff buried the decisive kick to send Leeds through 4–2.