The FA Cup reminded English football why it still holds a unique place in the calendar. Across a chaotic weekend, holders were humbled, giants were booed off their own pitches and underdogs seized moments that will define their clubs for generations.
From non-league history at Macclesfield to fury at Old Trafford and penalty shootout heroics on Tyneside, the third round delivered everything that makes the competition special and unforgiving.
Macclesfield deliver the biggest shock the FA Cup has ever seen
Source: Crystal Palace FC on X
The story of the round belongs to Macclesfield. The sixth-tier side knocked out holders Crystal Palace with a stunning 2-1 win that now stands as the greatest upset in FA Cup history.
The 117-place gap between the teams in the English football pyramid is the largest ever overturned in the competition. Palace arrived as reigning champions, fresh in the memory of lifting their first major trophy at Wembley against Manchester City. They left with their defence in ruins and another chapter of unwanted history attached to their name.
Macclesfield struck first when captain Paul Dawson powered home a header from a free-kick just before halftime, punishing Palace’s continued struggles with set-piece defending. The underdogs doubled their lead on the hour after chaos in the Palace box, with Isaac Buckley-Ricketts prodding the ball past Walter Benitez from close range.
Palace briefly threatened a late escape when Yeremy Pino whipped in a precise free-kick in the 90th minute, a reminder of the Premier League quality they possess. But it was not enough. Oliver Glasner turned away in disbelief as his side slipped to a ninth game without a win in all competitions.
The victory carried heavy emotional weight. Macclesfield are still mourning the death of 21-year-old forward Euan McLeod, who died in a car accident less than a month ago while travelling home after a match.
Old Trafford anger grows as United’s season collapses
Source: Official Brighton FC on X
There was no fairytale at Old Trafford, only frustration and fury. Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup with a meek 2-1 home defeat to Brighton, compounding a season that continues to unravel.
United interim boss Darren Fletcher watched his side start brightly but fail to capitalise. Brighton struck first in the 12th minute when Brajan Gruda finished from Danny Welbeck’s cross. The roles reversed midway through the second half as Welbeck lashed a stunning strike into the top corner against his former club.
Benjamin Sesko’s late header raised faint hopes of a comeback, but a red card for teenage substitute Shea Lacey in stoppage time for dissent summed up the chaos and fragility surrounding the squad.
Persistent chants aimed at the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe echoed around Old Trafford as fans vented their anger. The exit means United will play only 40 games this season after being knocked out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle, their lowest total since 1915.
Fletcher admitted the players looked fragile but insisted the squad must respond, even as social media reaction questioned whether there is any clear direction left at the club.
Martinelli answers criticism as Arsenal recover from early scare
Source: Arsenal N7 on X
At Fratton Park, Arsenal avoided embarrassment but were forced to work for their progress against Portsmouth, eventually winning 4-1 thanks to a Gabriel Martinelli hat-trick.
Portsmouth stunned the visitors by taking the lead after just three minutes through Colby Bishop. Mikel Arteta had made 10 changes from the side that drew with Liverpool days earlier, and for a moment the tie threatened to turn into another Cup upset.
Arsenal’s set-piece strength proved decisive. Andre Dozzell turned the ball into his own net under pressure to level matters, before Martinelli flicked in his first. Noni Madueke missed a penalty that could have stretched the lead, but Martinelli struck twice more in the second half to kill the contest.
The Brazilian’s performance came amid criticism following his clash with Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, who will miss the rest of the season after knee surgery. Martinelli apologised after the incident and shrugged off the backlash. Arteta praised his personality, saying top players must be able to respond immediately when controversy follows them.
Chelsea ease pressure with ruthless display at The Valley
Source: Chelsea FC on X
Chelsea finally found relief with a commanding 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic, ending a five-match winless run and offering a positive first impression under new head coach Liam Rosenior.
Charlton started brightly, but Chelsea took control and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Jorrel Hato finished from a Marc Guiu assist. Tosin Adarabioyo doubled the lead early in the second half from a Facundo Buonanotte free-kick.
Miles Leaburn pulled one back for Charlton against the run of play, briefly raising hopes, before Guiu restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion. Late goals from Pedro Neto and a penalty from Enzo Fernandez completed the rout.
Rosenior praised his side’s intensity and application, while Charlton manager Nathan Jones admitted defensive lapses, particularly the third goal, were unacceptable and a familiar frustration.
Villa pile pressure on Spurs with composed victory
Source: Aston Villa on X
Aston Villa continued their strong run under Unai Emery by knocking Tottenham out of the competition with a 2-1 win.
Emi Buendia opened the scoring after 22 minutes with a fierce finish before Morgan Rogers doubled the lead in stoppage time. Tottenham’s frustrations deepened as Randal Kolo Muani had a goal ruled out for offside and Richarlison was forced off injured.
Spurs, wearing an all-white kit to mark the 125th anniversary of their 1901 FA Cup triumph, improved after the break. Wilson Odobert pulled one back, Xavi Simons struck the post and saw another effort ruled out for offside, but Villa held firm.
Boos at halftime reflected growing pressure on Thomas Frank as Villa booked their place in the fourth round.
Penalty shootouts produce heroes and heartbreak
Source: Anthony Gordon on X
The Cup saved its most dramatic moments for the spot. Newcastle United edged Bournemouth on penalties after a breathless 3-3 draw.
Newcastle led through Harvey Barnes before Bournemouth turned the tie around with goals from Alex Scott and David Brooks. Anthony Gordon’s stoppage-time penalty forced extra time, where Barnes scored again in the 118th minute only for Marcus Tavernier to equalise in the 122nd.
Aaron Ramsdale then became the hero, saving three penalties as Newcastle won the shootout 7-6.
West Ham survive, Leeds recover and lower leagues roar
There was relief for West Ham United as new signing Taty Castellanos scored his first goal for the club in extra time to beat QPR 2-1, easing pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo.
Leeds United avoided an upset with a strong second-half fightback to beat Derby County 3-1 after trailing at halftime.
League One Mansfield Town produced one of the wildest games of the round, winning 4-3 at Bramall Lane to eliminate Sheffield United. Norwich City, Hull City and West Bromwich Albion also progressed.
Elsewhere, Sunderland knocked out Everton thanks to goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who also saved three penalties. Everton, stretched by injuries, suspensions and international duty, relied heavily on academy debutants and paid the price.
Why this FA Cup weekend will linger
This third round captured the FA Cup at its most unforgiving and most beautiful. Non-league players playing through grief, giants exposed by pressure, goalkeepers becoming heroes and fans making their voices heard.
For one weekend, belief beat budget and history was rewritten. That is why the FA Cup still matters.
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Featured Image Source: The Silkmen on X
