Goals Galore in FA Cup as Liverpool, Man Utd & Man City Progress

The FA Cup third round delivered thrilling action with high-scoring games and big-name clubs advancing, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City, amid a weekend packed with goals and upsets.[1][2][5]

The Emirates FA Cup 2025-26 third round, played from January 9-12, saw defending champions Crystal Palace suffer a shock exit to non-league Macclesfield FC, highlighting the competition's magic for underdogs.[2][4] Premier League heavyweights like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and others powered through, setting up an exciting fourth round.[2][5]

Key highlights included Manchester City's emphatic 10-1 thrashing of Exeter City, the tournament's highest-scoring match, showcasing their attacking prowess despite recent Premier League struggles.[3][4] Manchester United, fresh off Michael Carrick's first-game 2-0 derby win over City on January 17 (Mbeumo 65', Dorgu 76'), carried momentum into cup progress, boosting Champions League hopes.[1][3][6] Liverpool advanced despite league woes—a winless run extended by a 1-1 draw with Burnley—facing Brighton in the fourth round.[1][5][8]

The fourth round draw on January 12 produced mouthwatering ties: Manchester City vs. Salford City/Swindon Town, Liverpool vs. Brighton, Arsenal vs. Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa vs. Newcastle (live on BBC), and Grimsby Town vs. Wolves.[5] Other matchups feature Burnley vs. Mansfield, Norwich vs. West Brom, and Leeds vs. Birmingham.[5]

Prize money ramps up, with third-round winners earning significant sums toward a potential £4m+ for full-run triumphs.[2] Standout performers include top scorer A. George (2 goals).[4] Fixtures continue with Salford City vs. Swindon on January 20, leading into fourth-round clashes from February 13-16.[5]

With home wins at 47%, draws at 18%, and classics like 1-1 results, the FA Cup remains football's great leveler.[4] Big clubs eye glory, but lower-league dreamers lurk.[2]

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