The FA Cup continues to deliver drama and excitement, with the fourth round on February 8-10, 2025, leaving football fans buzzing. In unexpected twists, Championship contenders are defying odds and causing Premier League giants to stumble. Highlighting the weekend, AFC Bournemouth delivered a surprise blow to Everton, beating them 2-0 at Goodison Park. Goals from Dominic Solanke just before halftime and Ryan Christie midway through the second period etched Bournemouth's triumph into the history books, as Premier League teams often find themselves on the defensive against spirited lower-league oppositions.
Equally shocking was Southampton’s narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Burnley at their home ground, St. Mary's Stadium. Propelled by a sweetly struck goal from Anass Zaroury in the 61st minute, Burnley now advance to the competition’s fifth round, proving their mettle against their top-tier opponents.
While upsets made headlines, there were expected outcomes too. Defending champions Manchester United commenced their campaign with a solid start. They managed a 2-1 victory over Leicester City, thanks to strikes from Rasmus Højlund and Antony. Despite James Maddison pulling one back late in the game, it wasn’t enough to unsettle United's dominance on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, showcasing their trademark prowess, breezed past Leyton Orient in a commanding 4-0 victory. Key contributions came from Erling Haaland, who doubled up on goals, consolidating their position as formidable contenders. Liverpool, albeit with a tighter scoreline, edged past Plymouth Argyle 2-1, with goals courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.
As the anticipation builds for the matches slated for March 1, the fifth-round draw on February 10 holds further intrigue. A nod to past glories and the unpredictability of the tournament, questions linger: Could any current underdogs replicate the remarkable feat of West Ham, the 1980 champions, as the last non-Premier League team to clinch the trophy? One thing's clear – this year's FA Cup is already a spectacle of fierce competition and surprising narratives.
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