Brentford 0-1 Plymouth Argyle:
In a surprising upset, League One side Plymouth Argyle knocked Premier League Brentford out of the FA Cup at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford manager Thomas Frank opted to rest several key players, a decision that ultimately backfired. The Bees struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the match, and their lackluster performance allowed Plymouth to capitalize. Bali Mumba’s second-half goal secured a memorable victory for the Pilgrims, sending them through to the fourth round while leaving Brentford to rue their missed opportunity. The match highlighted the importance of squad depth and the unpredictable nature of cup competitions.
Bournemouth 5-1 West Bromwich Albion:
Despite recent injury setbacks to key forwards Evanilson and Enes Unal, Bournemouth displayed impressive attacking prowess in their resounding victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Vitality Stadium. Dango Ouattara led the charge with a brace, while Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, and Daniel Jebbison also found the back of the net. Although Caleb Taylor briefly gave West Brom hope with an early goal, the Cherries’ firepower proved too much to handle. The win showcased Bournemouth’s resilience and attacking depth, despite the absence of key players. Their performance demonstrated the team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, sending a strong message of intent in the FA Cup.
Norwich City 0-4 Brighton & Hove Albion:
Brighton & Hove Albion delivered a dominant performance against Championship side Norwich City at Carrow Road, cruising to a comfortable 4-0 victory. The Seagulls’ Premier League quality was evident throughout the match, as they controlled possession and created numerous scoring opportunities. Goals from Georges-Kévin Nkoudou (2), Jeremy Sarmiento, and Solly March sealed the win for Brighton, showcasing their attacking depth and tactical flexibility. The result emphasized the gulf in class between the two sides and highlighted Brighton’s ambitions in the FA Cup.
Nottingham Forest 2-0 Blackpool:
Nottingham Forest secured a straightforward victory against Blackpool at the City Ground, extending their winning streak to seven matches. Ryan Yates opened the scoring with a first-half header, while Ramon Sosa added a second goal later in the match to seal the win. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo made significant changes to the starting lineup, prioritizing the upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool. The victory provided valuable game time for fringe players and allowed key players to rest, demonstrating the squad’s depth and the team’s pragmatic approach to fixture congestion. The return of Danilo from a long-term injury added further positive news for Forest.
Chelsea 5-0 Morecambe:
Chelsea enjoyed a comfortable afternoon at Stamford Bridge, dispatching League Two side Morecambe with a resounding 5-0 victory. Goals from Fikayo Tomori (2), Christopher Nkunku, and João Félix (2) secured a dominant win for the Blues. Morecambe were unable to cope with Chelsea’s attacking prowess, as the Premier League side controlled the game from start to finish. The match provided an opportunity for Chelsea to build momentum and confidence, while also allowing fringe players to gain valuable minutes. The victory underscored the disparity between the two sides and highlighted Chelsea’s intent to progress in the FA Cup.
These FA Cup third-round matches provided a mix of expected results and surprising upsets, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cup competitions. While Premier League sides generally asserted their dominance, lower-league teams demonstrated their ability to compete and cause upsets against higher-ranked opposition. The matches showcased the importance of squad depth, tactical flexibility, and the determination to progress in the tournament. The results set the stage for an exciting fourth round, with the potential for further surprises and memorable moments.