FA Cup Fourth Round: What We Learned in Saturday's Matches

The FA Cup fourth round saw some intriguing matches, with Premier League clubs looking to advance to the next stage of the competition. Among the standout results was Manchester City’s narrow victory over Leyton Orient, but there were also plenty of takeaways from the other key matchups. Ninad Barbadikar takes a closer look at how the Premier League teams performed, and what we learned from the action on Saturday.

Manchester City’s Narrow Victory Over Leyton Orient

Manchester City were pushed to the limit by League Two side Leyton Orient, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory in a match that exposed some weaknesses in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Despite fielding a strong lineup, City struggled to break down the resolute Orient defense, and the match was far more challenging than many had anticipated.

The Premier League giants were fortunate to take the lead in the 35th minute, with Erling Haaland continuing his remarkable form to score a well-taken header from a Kevin De Bruyne cross. However, Leyton Orient showed tremendous resilience, equalizing early in the second half after a defensive error allowed them to capitalize on a rebound following a corner kick.

City, who were without some key players, found it difficult to maintain their usual dominance in possession. The match served as a reminder that even the most talented teams can be caught off guard by lower-league opponents, especially when they fail to execute their usual level of control and precision. Nonetheless, City managed to regain the lead in the 78th minute thanks to a Bernardo Silva strike, ensuring they progressed to the next round, albeit with a few concerns to address.

What we learned: Manchester City may be an attacking powerhouse, but they need to maintain focus and intensity against lower-league opposition. While the victory was secured, they will need to be sharper in future rounds, as they may not always be as fortunate to win in such tight matches.

Arsenal’s Impressive Performance Against Sheffield United

Arsenal, another Premier League contender, were much more comfortable in their fourth-round encounter, defeating Sheffield United 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners dominated possession from the outset, and their attacking prowess proved too much for the Championship side.

Bukayo Saka was at the heart of Arsenal’s attacking play, providing an assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s opening goal in the 25th minute before doubling the lead with a brilliant solo effort just before halftime. The game was effectively sealed early in the second half when Martin Ødegaard converted a penalty after a foul in the box.

Arsenal’s performance was clinical, with their attacking play showcasing the depth and quality of their squad. Manager Mikel Arteta will be pleased with how his team approached the match, showing the kind of intensity and focus needed in cup competitions. With a solid win under their belt, Arsenal will be looking to carry this form into the next round and potentially make a serious push for the FA Cup trophy.

What we learned: Arsenal are in excellent form, and their squad depth gives them a strong chance of making a deep run in the FA Cup. Arteta’s side continues to demonstrate consistency, making them one of the favorites to lift the trophy this season.

Tottenham’s Frustrating Draw Against Middlesbrough

Tottenham Hotspur, led by Antonio Conte, had a frustrating encounter against Championship side Middlesbrough, drawing 1-1 at home. Spurs started brightly, with Harry Kane giving them the lead in the 18th minute, but they were unable to add to their advantage despite controlling the game for long periods. Middlesbrough, however, remained resilient and found an equalizer in the 63rd minute through Chuba Akpom, who finished off a well-worked team move.

Tottenham’s inability to kill the game off was a recurring theme, with their attacking players unable to find the clinical edge needed to seal the win. Kane’s goal was a typical poacher's finish, but beyond that, Spurs lacked creativity in the final third. The match was a stark reminder of Tottenham’s struggles in breaking down teams that set up defensively and make the most of limited chances.

Conte will be frustrated by the draw, as Spurs had the opportunity to take full control of the game. This result also raises further questions about Tottenham’s inconsistency, especially in cup competitions, where they have often faltered in recent years.

What we learned: Tottenham need to show greater creativity and composure in front of goal if they are to make a serious impact in the FA Cup. Their failure to secure a win against a lower-division opponent suggests that they still have work to do in terms of squad development and mentality.

Other Key Results

• Chelsea’s 4-1 Victory Over Coventry: Chelsea cruised past Coventry City with a convincing 4-1 win. Graham Potter’s side was in clinical form, with Kai Havertz scoring twice and Raheem Sterling adding another. Chelsea showed great attacking fluidity, which will give them confidence as they look to push for domestic and European success in the coming months.

• West Ham’s 2-0 Win Over Norwich: West Ham United secured a solid 2-0 win over Norwich City, with Jarrod Bowen and Gianluca Scamacca scoring to ensure their progression to the next round. David Moyes will be satisfied with the result, as his team continues to impress in both domestic and cup competitions.

Conclusion

Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round action was a mixed bag for the Premier League teams, with some facing stiff challenges while others enjoyed comfortable victories. Manchester City’s narrow win over Leyton Orient showed that no game is easy in the FA Cup, even for the best teams. Arsenal’s dominant display against Sheffield United, however, demonstrated their title credentials and cup ambitions. Tottenham’s frustrating draw highlighted ongoing issues with creativity and clinical finishing, while Chelsea and West Ham showed that they are serious contenders in the competition.

As the FA Cup progresses, Premier League teams will need to ensure they maintain focus and intensity in every match. The competition continues to provide drama and excitement, with upsets and surprises just around the corner.