Around the Premier League: FA Cup Edition
The Premier League had another stoppage of play this week as teams participated in round three of soccer's oldest national football competition, the FA Cup.
Manchester City dominated Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday upset Newcastle United and Aston Villa collapsed against Stevenage.
Let’s dive into the top stories from round three of the FA Cup.
Manchester City Dominates Chelsea
In one of the more intriguing matchups of the third round, Premier League juggernauts Manchester City and Chelsea squared off.
In a game where stars for both teams sat, it was Manchester City’s depth that showed why they are a perennial top-of-the-league squad.
Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring in the 23rd minute as he scored off a sensational free-kick that will be on highlight reels for years to come. Just seven minutes later, Kai Havertz was called for a handball. Julián Álvarez snuck the ensuing penalty just past Kepa Arrizabalaga to double Manchester City’s advantage.
Eight minutes later, Phil Foden tapped one in to complete a run of three goals in 15 minutes for the men in sky blue and white.
Manchester City netted a fourth in the 85th minute after Mahrez slotted home a penalty for his second of the match.
Manchester City advanced to square off with another Premier League juggernaut, Arsenal, on Jan. 28. While Chelsea will look to bounce back as they return to Premier League action against Fulham on Thursday.
Sheffield Wednesday Upsets Newcastle United
League One side Sheffield Wednesday were heavy underdogs as they welcomed Premier League Newcastle United to Hillsborough Stadium on Saturday.
Josh Windass broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute after an exquisite display of passing in the buildup. Then lightning struck twice. In the 65th minute, Michael Smith sent a through ball to Windass, who curled it past the diving Martin Dúbravka to double Sheffield Wednesday’s advantage.
Bruno Guimarães cut the deficit in half four minutes later, but Newcastle United couldn’t find the equalizer despite attempting 22 shots and dominating the possession battle.
Newcastle United supporters will undoubtedly be disappointed by this result as their club has not won a domestic trophy since 1955.
Newcastle United will look to continue their Champions League pursuit when they return to action on Sunday to face Fulham. While Sheffield Wednesday advances to face Fleetwood Town on Jan. 28.
Aston Villa Collapses Against Stevenage
Aston Villa were heavy favorites as they welcomed League Two side Stevenage to Villa Park on Sunday.
Aston Villa dominated early and shot it often but could not quite find the target. Out of Aston Villa’s 17 shot attempts, three were on target.
In the 33rd minute, one of those shots struck polyethylene. Danny Ings slipped a pass right onto the foot of Morgan Sanson, who smashed it past Taye Ashby-Hammond to give Aston Villa the 1-0 lead.
Aston Villa appeared to be cruising, but in the 85th minute, everything came to a halt. Dean Campbell had the ball in the box and was taken down from behind by Leander Dendoncker. Dendoncker was shown a red card, and Stevenage was awarded a penalty.
Jamie Reid slotted the penalty in the bottom left corner to equalize the game at one. Just two minutes later, Dean Campbell took the corner short and snuck a near post shot past the outstretched arms of Robin Olsen to give Stevenage a lead they would never surrender.
Stevenage advances to square off against Stoke City at a date that has yet to be confirmed. While Aston Villa will aim to bounce back as they return to Premier League action Friday when they battle Leeds United.
Ben Palillo is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email bgp5079@psu.edu.
