AFCON 2025
The magic of the FA Cup was on full display this Saturday, as the competition’s fifth round delivered late-game drama and narrow escapes for the Premier League’s elite.
While the “big guns” ultimately secured their places in the quarter-finals, they were forced to sweat by lower-league opposition who refused to follow the script.
Saturday’s FA Cup Fifth Round Results
Premier League leaders Arsenal found themselves in a dogfight at the oldest professional football ground in the world. Despite Noni Madueke giving the Gunners a first-half lead, League One’s Mansfield Town stunned the visitors when Will Evans equalised early in the second half.
It took a moment of individual brilliance from substitute Eberechi Eze to settle the tie. Eze’s 66th-minute “thunderbolt” from the edge of the box silenced a raucous home crowd and kept Mikel Arteta’s quest for a quadruple alive. The match also made history as 16-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest player to ever feature for Arsenal in the FA Cup.
The most captivating tie of the day took place in North Wales, where Championship side Wrexham twice led against a star-studded Chelsea lineup. Sam Smith and Callum Doyle provided the goals that had Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney dreaming of a historic upset.
However, Chelsea’s depth eventually told. Josh Acheampong forced extra time with an 82nd-minute equalizer, before a late red card for Wrexham’s George Dobson shifted the momentum. In the extra period, Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro struck to finally end the resistance of the 10-man hosts, securing a 4–2 victory for the Blues.
At St. James’ Park, Manchester City maintained their defense of the trophy with a professional 3–1 win over Newcastle United. Although Harvey Barnes gave the Magpies an early lead, City responded through Savinho before Omar Marmoush took center stage. Marmoush’s second-half brace ensured Pep Guardiola’s side remains the team to beat as they head into the final eight.
The fifth round concludes with a busy Sunday and Monday schedule, including Leeds vs. Norwich and West Ham vs. Brentford. The quarter-final draw is set to take place on Monday, March 9, live from the London Stadium.
