It’s the most famous and romantic cup competition in football the world over.
For any younger SBOTOP readers who aren’t aware of the history, simply go into any online search engine, type in special FA Cup moments and prepare to be amazed.
Granted, the financial gulf between the established big-hitters and the lower league and non-league clubs has widened to the extent where it has become a chasm, so giant-killing acts and monumental surprises are harder to come by.
But while a quick look at the FA Cup 2025 betting odds outlines that, there are even recent winners of the competition (Wigan 2013 and Leicester 2021) who are testament to the fact the magic can still happen.
As a result it was with much anticipation that I looked forward to third round weekend, even if some of the gloss appears to have been taken off its status in the eyes of many by decisions such as scrapping replays and beginning the third round fixtures on a Thursday night and ending them the following Tuesday!
In fact, just imagine what a story we could have been talking about had replays still been in place this season.
Ultimately, eight-time FA Cup winners Spurs managed to avoid abject humiliation and edge ahead of non-league Tamworth.
But, for 100 odd minutes, what FA Cup 2025 highlights the minnows from Staffordshire provided. How they deserved a replay and, from a financial perspective, what could that have done for the coffers of a club 96 places below the North Londoners in the footballing pyramid.
In the end, a trip to the 60,000 futuristic stadium for a second chance and a tidy pay day wasn’t to be. To Spurs the prize of a place in the fourth round draw, to Tamworth the plaudits.
One of the other traditional giants of English football are Everton who also managed to avoid a shock unconvincingly, although it was not until the closing stage that they secured a 2-0 home win over spirited League One side Peterborough.
That wasn’t the main talking point though. Nor the fact that there was nearly a wonderful a father-and-son moment as Everton veteran Ashley Young came on as a second half substitute, while teenage son Tyler was among the unused Peterborough subs.
The main topic of conversation was that, just hours before kick-off, the Toffees parted company with manager Sean Dyche – a decision taken so late that his notes appeared in the official match programme.
Dyche had referred to the contest as “an opportunity to attack the challenge,” yet it was Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman who led the team before it was announced, 36 hours later, that David Moyes will return to the club.
History will be kinder and afford more respect to Dyche than the criticism he seems to be receiving at present.
The ‘Ginger Mourinho’ lasted longer than Ronald Koeman, Frank Lampard, Sam Allardyce or Marco Silva – a list of recent appointments that says much about the chaotic trajectory at Goodison Park.
The 1995 FA Cup was the last time Everton won some major silverware and the similarities with 30 years ago are obvious.
Then, Joe Royle inherited a side battling for survival in the top flight and struggling for consistency. A successful cup run brought the smiles back to Goodison Park.
Three decades on, all associated with the club will hope for the same again.
There were quite a few new managers and temporary bosses on show in ties over the weekend, including at Villa Park where Aston Villa came from behind to edge out West Ham in an all-Premier League affair, a first game for new Hammers boss Graham Potter after Julen Lopetegui didn’t survive the time between my match preview and the tie itself.
One side who were the neutrals’ favourites in last year’s competition are also through to round four. That is Championship side Coventry, semi-finalists last season when they fought back from 3-0 down against eventual winners Manchester United only to lose in a penalty shoot-out.
This time they were more successful from the spot, overcoming the disappointment of conceding a stoppage time equaliser at home to fellow Championship side Sheffield Wednesday before emerging 4-3 winners on spot-kicks after extra time.
Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle were the heroes of the weekend as they went to Premier League outfit Brentford and sprung a surprise, albeit against a Bees side which was far from full strength.
Morgan Whittaker struck the only goal of the contest eight minutes from time to bring some rare joy to the Pilgrims in what has been a largely miserable first half of the campaign.
A cracking result for a side which has actually shipped 35 goals in 14 away matches in the Championship – the most by a team across the top four leagues in England.
There was no doubting the tie of the round, of course, as record 14-time winners Arsenal hosted holders and 13-time winners Manchester United.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes had put United in front with a sumptuous finish early in the second period but the game quickly turned as his Portuguese compatriot Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card and, almost immediately, Arsenal centre back Gabriel levelled with a deflected effort.
Waves of waves of Gunners’ pressure followed as the hosts used their numerical advantage.
They created chances but a combination of poor finishing and some super defending and impressive goalkeeping kept them at bay, while justice was done when goalkeeper Altay Bayindir saved a penalty, very harshly awarded – there was no VAR in use at the Emirates Stadium – from home captain Martin Odegaard.
The Turk was the hero in the shoot-out as The Red Devils won 5-3 on spot-kicks, reward for a superb defensive showing for more than hour with 10 men.
Even if they strip away some of its heritage, the FA Cup is always compelling!
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
