TOTTENHAM’S progression into the FA Cup fifth round was one small step for Min as Son Heung-min’s winner downed Southampton.
But it was also a giant leap for the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’.
Son Heung-min and Serge Aurier celebrate the South Koreans winner against SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Spurs, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all through to the fifth round together for the first time since 1969 – the year of the Moon landings.
Son & Co were Buzzing after their hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Saints (who even brought on Armstrong in the second half).
That earned them a home tie against Prem strugglers Norwich.
Liverpool’s kids – whose parents were probably not born when the Moon landings happened – won their replay against Shrewsbury 1-0 at Anfield.
Their reward is a stellar clash at Chelsea, who beat Hull 2-1.
The last time all of the Big Six were in the FA Cup fifth round was 1969 – the year man first walked on the MoonCredit: Getty – Contributor
Man Utd’s fourth round tie was a sea of tranquility on a bog of a pitch at Tranmere as they destroyed their League One hosts 6-0 – and even Jesse Lingard scored with a rocket.
Next, they face a Roon landing as Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney and Derby host them in round five.
Arsenal beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the last round but their trip to League One Portsmouth will have more atmosphere.
Man City were helped by a moment of lunar-cy from Fulham’s Tim Ream in round four but cannot expect Sheffield Wednesday to give them as much space at Hillsborough.
FA CUP FIFTH-ROUND DRAW
- Sheffield Wednesday v Manchester City
- Reading v Sheffield United
- Chelsea v Liverpool
- West Brom v Newcastle
- Leicester v Birmingham
- Derby v Manchester United
- Tottenham v Norwich
- Portsmouth v Arsenal
- Ties to be played March 3-March 5
City won the FA Cup in 1969 – and Pep Guardiola’s men would be over the (Blue) Moon if that happened again.
After his winning goal against Southampton, Son said: “It means a lot to us.
“Second half we showed our brilliant character. Dele came on and brought an amazing performance.”
Dele added: “It says a lot about the character we have.
“To go from such a big game, it would have been easy to take our foot off the pedal and lose a game like this.”
There is a lot of space in the Spurs trophy cabinet – they would love to put the FA Cup in it this season.
The fifth round ties are in midweek this year, taking place between March 3 and March 5.
Southampton star James Ward-Prowse needs oxygen after suffering gruesome gash to knee in Tottenham clash
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
