To keep up with the theme of shocks this season, the sixth round of the FA cup produced a few in it’s own right. In a season that has produced one of the biggest shocks and potentially see one of the biggest fairytales come true with a Leicester City title win, this season’s FA Cup this week has followed in a similar vein in terms of shocks.
The FA Cup sixth round saw Crystal Palace against last year’s semi-finalists Reading, Chelsea against Everton, Manchester United against West Ham and holders Arsenal against Watford.
If everything was predictable, we could probably assume that Crystal Palace would beat Reading, Arsenal would beat Watford, Chelsea would beat Everton and Manchester United would beat West Ham – but only by the skin of their teeth.
Thankfully to liven things up and keep us all on our toes, there were a few shocks this week. The FA Cup which is the oldest club competition, is famed for producing some great matches and great shocks.
Arguably the shock of the round was at Arsenal’s Emirate stadium where Watford defeated the Gunners 2-1, which also meant that there would be a different name on the trophy come May. The North London side, who have had a fortnight to forget, would have been hoping to have drew comfort with what seemed like a near certain progression to the next round. Sadly for Arsenal, the Hornets didn’t read the script and to cap of an encouraging season they will also now have a date at Wembley after beating Arsene Wenger’s men 2-1.
Elsewhere Everton didn’t really take note of Gus Hiddink’s connection to the FA Cup as they dumped out Chelsea with an impressive 2-0 win. Former Blue Romelu Lukaku grabbed both goals to condemn The Blues to defeat which means they will finish the season without a trophy. I am sure Mr Abrahmovich didn’t expect that.
Those of you who were expecting further upsets will be left disappointed, however. Crystal Palace, who before their tie would have been expected to beat Reading, did so with a 2-0 win.
The last game saw struggling Manchester United against West Ham United. West Ham controversially took the lead through Dimitri Payet, who arguably should have been sent over for a second yellow card. Thankfully for Manchester United, one of their best players Anthony Martial was able to equalise late on which means this tie will be going to a replay.
Not since 2008 has there been this much unpredictability in the FA Cup, I for one am not complaining. Roll on the semi-finals because this year’s FA Cup is really hotting up. Let the games begin!
