A dramatic weekend of FA Cup action delivered contrasting fortunes for two English football giants, with Manchester United’s season descending further into crisis while Arsenal showcased their title-winning credentials.
At Old Trafford, Manchester United suffered a demoralizing 2-1 defeat to Brighton, effectively ending their final hope for silverware this season. The loss sparked visible discontent among supporters, with persistent chants directed at the club’s ownership—the Glazer family—and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. Interim manager Darren Fletcher watched helplessly as his team’s fragile performance likely dashed his prospects of securing the managerial role permanently.
The match narrative unfolded with United failing to capitalize on an initially positive start before Brighton’s Brajan Gruda opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The situation worsened when former United striker Danny Welbeck lashed a spectacular finish into the top corner. Despite a late consolation header from Benjamin Sesko and a grandstand finish, United’s misery was compounded by a stoppage-time red card for teenager Shea Lacey for dissent.
Meanwhile, at Fratton Park, Gabriel Martinelli delivered a spectacular response to recent controversy by scoring a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 4-1 comeback victory against Portsmouth. The Brazilian forward, who had faced criticism for an incident with Liverpool’s injured defender Conor Bradley, let his performance do the talking after apologizing for the previous clash.
Arsenal’s triumph wasn’t without early concern as League One side Portsmouth took a shocking lead through Colby Bishop within three minutes. However, Mikel Arteta’s squad demonstrated resilience with Andre Dozzell’s own goal leveling the score before Martinelli’s trio of finishes sealed the comprehensive victory. Arteta praised his player’s mental fortitude, emphasizing that “to play for a big club you need a big personality.”
In other FA Cup developments, West Ham secured a much-needed 2-1 extra-time victory against QPR thanks to new signing Taty Castellanos’s decisive header. Leeds United staged a second-half comeback to defeat Derby County 3-1, while League One side Mansfield produced the shock of the round by eliminating Sheffield United with a 4-3 victory at Bramall Lane. Norwich, Hull, and West Brom also secured their places in the fourth round draw.