The FA Cup third round concluded a weekend of high drama, marked by the exit of a traditional powerhouse, a redemption arc for a Premier League star, and a winning start for a new era at Stamford Bridge.
Old Trafford Crisis Deepens as Brighton Advance
The weekend’s most significant result saw Manchester United crash out of the competition with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite a late surge following a Benjamin Sesko header, the “Red Devils” were unable to overcome goals from Brajan Gruda and former United striker Danny Welbeck.
The match ended in further frustration for interim boss Darren Fletcher as teenage prospect Shea Lacey was dismissed in stoppage time for dissent. The result leaves United without domestic silverware opportunities for the remainder of the season, intensifying the search for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim.
❌ Out the Carabao Cup
❌ Out the FA CupKobbie Mainoo’s only two starts for Man United this season have been a disaster 😳🏆 pic.twitter.com/345qAPwbjh
— LiveScore (@livescore) January 12, 2026
Martinelli Shines Amid Furore; Arsenal Cruise
At Fratton Park, Arsenal overcame an early scare to defeat Portsmouth 4-1. Despite trailing to a Colby Bishop goal within three minutes, the Premier League leaders responded emphatically. Gabriel Martinelli, following a week of scrutiny regarding an incident with Liverpool’s Conor Bradley, responded with a hat-trick.
Full-time: Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal (Bishop | Dozzell [og], Martinelli x3).
Arsenal advance through to the FA Cup fourth round! ✅ pic.twitter.com/XajJilZfJ3
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 11, 2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the Brazilian’s resilience: “To play for a big club you need a big personality. He talked on the pitch today.”
“We started the game exactly how we didn’t want to”
Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup 🔴 pic.twitter.com/B17ZAvLQiw
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 11, 2026
Successful Starts and Pressure Relieved
- Chelsea: The Liam Rosenior era began in spectacular fashion at The Valley. Chelsea cruised to a 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic, with goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernandez.
- West Ham United: Nuno Espirito Santo saw pressure ease as £26m signing Taty Castellanos netted a crucial extra-time winner to defeat QPR 2-1.
- Aston Villa: Unai Emery’s side piled more pressure on Tottenham manager Thomas Frank with a 2-1 victory, courtesy of strikes from Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers.
Giant Killings and Underdog Stories
The “Magic of the Cup” was on full display at Bramall Lane, where League One Mansfield stunned Sheffield United in a seven-goal thriller, winning 4-3. Elsewhere, Leeds United avoided an upset by coming from behind to beat Derby County 3-1.
Norwich City, Hull City, and West Bromwich Albion also secured their places in the Fourth Round draw.
