English 4th Round FA Cup Highlights

Today witnessed some top football games played across top European leagues.

Our main attention will be on the English FA Cup. I will be bringing you the summary of some of the matches played alongside the highlights.

England

Chelsea v Plymouth Argyle

Chelsea overcame a scare against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round, winning the game 2-1 in extra time.

All thanks to Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso as Chelsea came from behind to progress to the next round. Macaulay Gillesphey had headed Argyle in front.

They would have secured a shootout but Ryan Hardie’s last-gasp spot-kick was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga

Everton 3-1 Brentford

Frank Lampard on Saturday wins his first game in charge of Everton as they recorded a 3-1 win at Goodison Park.

Yerry Mina had opened the goals account for the hosts before Richarlison doubled the lead.

Ivan Toney scored from the spot to reduced the deficit.

However, goals from Mason Holgate and Andros Townsend secured the next round ticket for Everton.

Manchester City v Fulham

A brace from Riyad Mahrez and two goals from other Manchester City players were enough to secure passage into the fifth round of the FA Cup against Championship leaders Fulham.

City had to fight back from a goal down to see off Fulham.

This extends City’s unbeaten run to ten since October.

The host were given an early fright when Fabio Carvalho turned in Harry Wilson’s cross.

However, City restored parity 90 seconds later as Mahrez set up Ilkay Gundogan for an assured first-time finish to settle the nerves of the home fans at a sold-out Etihad Stadium.

John Stones put City ahead afterwards when he climbed highest at the near post to head home Kevin de Bruyne’s corner.

Mahrez extended City’s lead when City were awarded a penalty for Joe Bryan’s clumsy foul on Jack Grealish.

The Algerian winger then made it four few minutes later when he ran on to De Bruyne’s pinpoint pass and saw his shot deflected past Paulo Gazzaniga.

Manchester United v Middlesbrough

Championship side, Middlesborough caused another upset in the FA Cup by knocking out Manchester United in a nail-biting 16-shot penalty shootout.

The Championship side came from behind at Old Trafford and then emerged victorious.

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Young striker Anthony Elanga ballooned his shot over the bar to give Chris Wilder’s side a win. Elanga further suffered racist abuse over the incident.

Middlesbrough restored parity in a controversial manner. Matt Crook tapped home despite Duncan Watmore clearly handling in the build-up.

United also failed to take numerous chances in a game where they had 30 shots at goal, the clearest of which came when Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the first half.

Jadon Sancho had put United ahead, marking his FA Cup debut with a goal.

As it stands, United’s most realistic chance of silverware has now disappeared.