Plenty of Premier League and lower division teams were in action in this week’s FA Cup fixtures, as clubs progressed into the fifth round whilst others crashed out of the competition.
The tie of the round lived up to its potential as Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.
Mohamed Salah netted twice for the Champions, but Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and the excellent Bruno Fernandes all scored to send United into the next round.
Cheltenham were 10 minutes away from shocking the country, but a series of late goals from Manchester City saw the League Two side’s hard work come undone.
Alfie May put the fourth-tier club ahead following a long throw-in, but goals from Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres quickly followed to send City into the next round.
National League North side Chorley came close to an upset against Wolves, but their night was spoilt after a fantastic strike by Vitinha.
The Brazilian’s strike meant his side made it into the next round, while Chorley crash out at the expense of a Premier League club.
Current holders Arsenal also dropped out of the competition, following a 1-0 loss to Southampton.
Gabriel scored an own goal as last year’s winners fell to a disappointing defeat.
A hat-trick for Tammy Abraham sent Chelsea through against Luton, as they thrashed the Championship side 3-1.
It wasn’t perfect for the Blues through, as Kepa Arrizabalaga made yet another mistake to allow Jordan Clarke to score, with struggling summer signing Timo Werner also missing a penalty.
Spurs came from behind to beat Wycombe 4-1 after a flurry of late goals.
Fred Onyedinma scored first, but goals from Gareth Bale, Harry Winks and a Tanguy Ndombele brace saw the north London club into the next round.
Brentford fell to defeat against Leicester despite their strong start, with defender Mads Sorensen putting the Bees ahead after just four minutes.
Cengiz Under, Youri Tielemans and James Maddison all bagged second half goals as the Foxes eventually overcame the Championship side.
Everton also bagged a win against a Championship side, comfortably beating Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 thanks to goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Yerry Mina.
Three goals also saw Burnley through to the fifth round, as they beat Fulham 3-0.
A Jay Rodriguez brace was followed by a Kevin Long goal as Sean Dyche’s side defeated the London club.
Elsewhere, West Ham thrashed Doncaster 4-0 in a dominant showing.
Pablo Fornals, Andriy Yarmolenko and debutant Oladapo Afolayan all scored, on top of an own goal by Rovers defender Andy Butler.
Sheffield United also picked up just their third win of the season, beating Plymouth Argyle 2-1.
Veteran players Chris Basham and Billy Sharp netted for the Blades as their cup run continued despite their poor league form.
There was also a win against League One opposition for Brighton, who beat Blackpool 2-1 thanks to a screamer from Yves Bissouma and a second from Steven Alzate.
Swansea, Bristol City and Barnsley also progressed to the next round, whilst Crawley play their postponed game against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
The ties for the next round will be played in the week commencing 8 February.
***** FA Cup fifth-round draw *****
Burnley v Bournemouth/Crawley Town
Manchester United vs West Ham
Sheffield United vs Bristol City
Wolves vs Southampton
Barnsley vs Chelsea
Everton vs Tottenham
Swansea City vs Manchester City
Leicester vs Brighton
By Ali Pollock
