Each of the FA Cup games on Wednesday had drama to complete the fifth round of the FA Cup. But the biggest stories were FA Cup giant-killers Grimsby and Sheffield Utd, who advanced to reach the quarter-finals after knocking out the Premier League clubs.
First, starting at Old Trafford, West Ham gained a second-half lead against Manchester United thanks to a great finish from Saïd Benrahma. However, despite trailing with 12 minutes remaining, Manchester United scored three times. An own goal tied the game. Then, a teenager of his own to give United the lead at the edge of 90 minutes. Finally, Fred added the safe goal with one of the last shots of the game.
A night of giant FA Cup killing
Burnley, Sheffield and Grimsby Town all recorded one-goal wins in their draws. The most dramatic, at least in terms of timing, was Burnley’s knockout of Fleetwood Town with 10 men. Still, the biggest upset in the cup this round is Grimsby Town going to St. Mary’s Stadium for . A great achievement, even if Southampton are last in the top flight.
Southampton were not the only top-flight team to withdraw. Sheffield United, who barely escaped Wrexham in the previous round, defeated Tottenham at Bramall Lane.
After the conclusion of the 5th round on Wednesday night, the FA Cup quarter-final draw took place immediately.
With Manchester United, Manchester City, Brighton and Fulham highlighting the best teams in the last eight, they are not history.
In fact, those are the only four Premier League teams left in the tournament. Sheffield United, Burnley and Blackburn come from the Championship. Finally, League One side Grimsby continue their magical run to the sixth round after defeating Premier League side Southampton on Wednesday.
The draw for the quarterfinals between those eight teams is as follows.
Manchester City vs. BurnleyManchester United vs. FulhamBrighton and Hove Albion vs. Grimsby TownSheffield United vs. Blackburn
Arguments for the FA Cup quarter-final
The City-Burnley contest has stories of its own. Vincent Kompany returns to the Etihad for the first time as a manager. He takes championship-leading Brighton to Manchester City to take on his former boss, Pep Guardiola.
Manchester United are home to a Premier League team in the FA Cup for the third time in the FA Cup this season. In fact, United have not been on tour in this edition of the tournament.
The fact that there are two Premier League teams playing each other means there is a guaranteed non-Premier League team that will go to Wembley for the semi-finals. Sheffield United and Blackburn are two teams towards the top of the Championship looking to take up that mantle.
Grimsby Town, the underdog story of the tournament so far, have a big task in Brighton. However, Grimsby have been the away team before in the tournament, including when they defeated Southampton on Wednesday.
These games will take place on March 18 and 19.
Photo: IMAGO/PA Images
