Exciting Analysis of England’s FA Cup Third Round

FA Cup Third Round 2025/26: Giant-Killings, Drama and What’s Next

Exciting Analysis of England’s FA Cup Third Round  The Emirates FA Cup has once again reminded football fans why it remains the most romantic cup competition in the world. The 2025/26 Third Round delivered everything the tournament is famous for: giant-killings, last-minute twists, penalty shootout heartbreak, and elite sides putting lower-league opponents to the sword. With Premier League and Championship clubs entering at this stage, the contrast in quality often looks huge on paper — yet the magic of the FA Cup ensures nothing is guaranteed once the whistle blows.

In this article, we’ll break down the biggest talking points from the FA Cup 3rd Round, analyse the key results and standout performances, and preview the upcoming fixtures still to be played in this round.

The FA Cup’s Biggest Story: Giant-Killings Are Alive

Exciting Analysis of England’s FA Cup Third Round

Macclesfield 2–1 Crystal Palace: The Upset That Defines the FA Cup

If the Third Round needed a headline, it arrived in spectacular fashion: non-league Macclesfield stunning the holders Crystal Palace 2–1. This is exactly what “giant-killing” means — a lower-tier side refusing to be intimidated by Premier League status, playing with fearless intensity and tactical discipline.

Macclesfield’s victory wasn’t a lucky smash-and-grab; it was earned through grit, belief, and ruthless finishing. Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts gave the underdogs a famous lead, and although Palace pulled one back late, the comeback never truly arrived. The scenes at full-time were pure cup folklore: a ground united, a club’s history rewritten, and a Premier League team left embarrassed.

This match is the perfect example of why the FA Cup still matters: it creates stories no league format can replicate.

Wrexham’s Hollywood Script Continues

Exciting Analysis of England’s FA Cup Third Round

Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest: Penalty Shootout Perfection

Another shockwave came through Wrexham, who eliminated Premier League side Nottingham Forest after a chaotic match ended 3–3, with Wrexham winning 4–3 on penalties.

Wrexham are no longer a novelty act — they’ve become a serious footballing project with identity, momentum, and crowd-driven energy. Forest, meanwhile, gambled with rotation and paid the price. In the FA Cup, especially away from home, even a slightly weakened top-flight side can quickly find themselves dragged into a battle they never wanted.

Wrexham’s win is more than progress — it’s a statement, and one that will make every elite club nervous about drawing them next.

Tactical Discipline Wins Cups

Wigan Athletic 1–0 Preston North End: The Classic Cup Blueprint

Not every upset comes with seven goals and a shootout. Wigan’s 1–0 victory over Preston was a masterclass in cup football: defend in blocks, keep belief high, win key duels, and punish when the chance arrives.

This is what lower-tier success often looks like in the FA Cup — it’s not always pretty, but it’s brave, smart, and efficient. Wigan’s win will resonate strongly because it shows how organisation and mentality can reduce the gap between divisions.

When the Giants Roar: Statement Wins From the Big Clubs

Manchester City 10–1 Exeter City: Total Domination

While some Premier League clubs suffered humiliation, Manchester City did what elite teams must do: eliminate risk early by overwhelming the opponent. Their 10–1 demolition of Exeter was the round’s most ruthless result — a reminder that squad depth and quality can turn Third Round ties into training-ground exercises.

City’s rotation didn’t weaken them; it empowered them. The standout storyline was Antoine Semenyo, who impressed on debut as City ran riot. This wasn’t just a win — it was a warning shot to the rest of the competition.

Wolves, Burnley and Others Show the Quality Gap

Elsewhere, several teams made sure no upset was even possible:

• Wolves 6–1 Shrewsbury

• Burnley 5–1 Millwall

• Bristol City 5–1 Watford

These types of matches highlight one FA Cup truth: for lower-league teams, the dream only survives if they can keep the scoreline close for 60–70 minutes. Once the bigger club lands two or three clean goals, reality hits hard.

The FA Cup’s Favourite Ingredient: Penalty Shootout Chaos

Newcastle 3–3 Bournemouth (Newcastle win 7–6 on pens)

Exciting Analysis of England’s FA Cup Third Round

If you want pure entertainment, the FA Cup Third Round always delivers, and Newcastle vs Bournemouth delivered a classic. A 3–3 thriller followed by a wild 7–6 penalty shootout created one of those ties that fans will talk about for years.

Newcastle’s win reflects resilience — and a key quality for cup success: staying calm in high-pressure moments.

Sunderland Eliminate Everton on Penalties

Another standout shootout was Everton 1–1 Sunderland, with Sunderland winning emphatically 3–0 on penalties. Penalties often highlight psychology over ability — and Sunderland clearly had the sharper nerve when it mattered.

Quick Results Round-Up: Other Notable Matches

This Third Round also featured plenty of drama outside the headline shocks:

• Stoke City 1–0 Coventry City – a defensive battle won by precision

• Brentford 2–0 Sheffield Wednesday – calm and professional away performance

• Ipswich 2–1 Blackpool – hard-fought win under pressure

• Fulham 3–1 Middlesbrough – quality in the final third decided it

• Southampton 3–2 Doncaster – comeback mentality and control

• Leicester 2–0 Cheltenham – routine progress

• Port Vale 1–0 Fleetwood – marginal win, maximum reward

• Burton 5–0 Boreham Wood – complete dominance

• Grimsby 3–2 Weston-super-Mare – close but deserved

• Birmingham 3–2 Cambridge – end-to-end chaos

• Aston Villa 2–1 Tottenham – a huge win in a high-profile tie

And yes — winter reality also arrived:

• Salford City vs Swindon Town postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Remaining Fixtures: What’s Still to Come (and Predictions)

Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea (10 January)

Chelsea enter this tie as favourites, but Charlton at home offers the exact type of FA Cup environment that can trigger panic: tight pitch, loud crowd, and a club with nothing to lose.

Prediction: Chelsea win — but likely closer than expected.

Sunday 11 January Fixtures

Derby County vs Leeds United

Leeds have the stronger squad, but Derby’s cup motivation can’t be underestimated.

Prediction: Leeds edge it.

Portsmouth vs Arsenal

Arsenal should have too much quality, even with rotation.

Prediction: Arsenal win comfortably.

Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers

A tight Championship derby style tie.

Prediction: Extra time possible.

Swansea City vs West Brom

This feels like a game decided by fine margins.

Prediction: West Brom narrowly.

Norwich City vs Walsall

Norwich are expected to dominate possession.

Prediction: Norwich win.

West Ham vs QPR

West Ham’s Premier League quality should decide it, but QPR will battle.

Prediction: West Ham win.

Sheffield United vs Mansfield Town

A classic David vs Goliath atmosphere.

Prediction: Sheffield United win.

Manchester United vs Brighton

The tie of the day: Brighton are tactically excellent, but Old Trafford is a different pressure.

Prediction: Manchester United win — narrowly.

Monday 12 January

Liverpool vs Barnsley

Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup is brutal for any visiting side.

Prediction: Liverpool win comfortably.

Conclusion: Why the FA Cup Still Owns January

The FA Cup Third Round is football’s reminder that fame doesn’t win matches — heart does. In just a few days, we’ve seen everything:

• Macclesfield make history

• Wrexham deliver another miracle

• Penalty shootouts bring chaos

• Manchester City destroy all resistance

• Big names fall, and new heroes rise

And with the Fourth Round draw approaching, the storylines will only get bigger.