‘Giant-killing’ en masse in FA Cup

There’s something special about FA Cup. Say what you may but it brings out the best in lower division clubs. The true spirit of competition is manifested especially when the top sides get knocked out by their less fancied opponents. Saturday’s results were another great representation of this fact. As many as four Premiership clubs were eliminated by teams from lower divisions. Everton, Blackburn, Birmingham and Bolton Wanderers were all dumped out in the third round. Oldham a side from League One produced the biggest upset of the day when they beat Everton 1-0 (wait it gets even better) at the Goodison Park. The Toffees produced a real lackluster performance and Gary McDonald’s 30-Yard wonder strike was enough for Moyes’ men. Blackburn have been the opposite of consistency this entire season and this trait was exposed yet again as Coventry thrashed them 4-1. Sheffield United managed to embarrass Bolton Wanderers 1-0. Carney’s 42nd minute effort was enough for the visitor’s to beat the London based club. The final casualty of the afternoon was produced by another League One side. Huddersfield beat Birmingham City 2-1. Breckett and Brandon scored for Huddersfield while O’Connor’s 19th minute effort for the Blues went in vain Manchester United beat Villa, yet again Manchester United and Chelsea negated the trend of the afternoon and won their respective matches to move in to the next round. The Red Devils produced two goals in last nine minutes to stretch their successive winning streak over Villa to 13 matches. Rooney and Ronaldo both scored to knock Aston Villa out 2-0. the match was watched by none other than Capello, England’s new manager, and he was quite impressed by Rooney’s form. Meanwhile the holders Chelsea were made to work hard for their 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge. It was QPR’s goalie’s 29th minute own goal that ensured Chelsea moved into the fourth round. Underdogs on Saturday proved that this competition is not about getting intimidated. If anything FA Cup epitomizes the fearlessness of some of these smaller clubs who play uninhibited come the big day. The romance continues… Via