FA Cup

BAFFLED football fans are convinced cheeky Arsenal STOLE an FA Cup football from Leicester City.And one disgruntled Foxes supporter jokingly pleaded with the Gunners to return their property.
Arsenal and Liverpool played with the yellow Mitre FA Cup ball at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
Fans reckon the Gunners stole this football from Leicester CityCredit: BBC
The Gunners lost 2-0 to Liverpool at the Emirates in the third round of the famous competition.
But during the tie in North London, some eagle-eyed viewers were left utterly bamboozled when Arsenal right-back Ben White took a throw-in.
The cameras zoomed in on the £50million ex-Brighton defender holding the yellow FA Cup Mitre ball above his head.
But one popular Leicester City fan, who goes by @lee78lcfc on Instagram, shared a screenshot of the moment.
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That is because the ball appears to have the initials “LCFC” written on it twice in black ink.
That prompted the Leicester supporter to write: “Can we have our ball back please @arsenal?”
Other supporters of Enzo Maresca’a high-flying Championship leaders chipped in with comments and theories behind the mystery ball.
Leicester played across London yesterday, beating Millwall 3-2 as the 2021 winners booked their spot in round four.
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So one suggested Arsenal “nabbed it from The Den.”
Another, meanwhile, thinks it might have something to do with the referee.
John Brooks was the man in the middle for the Arsenal vs Liverpool game and is from Leicestershire so could have got the ball beforehand from connections at the King Power.
A further plausible explanation is to do with Arsenal’s local neighbours.
There are seven registered football clubs in England whose initials are LCFC.
That includes Leicester City, Lincoln City, Lancaster City, Lichfield City, Little Common, Long Crendon and London Colney.
Arsenal’s training ground is in London Colney just off the M25 in Hertfordshire, just 2.5 miles from the Blueboys’ Cotlandswick Park stadium.
So it could be that the Combined Counties League Division One side donated some leftover Mitre FA Cup balls to the Gunners which were deemed surplus to requirements as it appears they did not enter the 2023-24 competition.
‘MUST BE TOUGH’
A few more Twitter users chipped in with some more witty comments, though.
One Leicester fan replied: “Things must be tough down your neck of the woods.”
Another viewer quipped: “I think Arsenal may be looking at a points deduction for playing with a stolen ball.”
And a final supporter typed: “Basically Premier League teams are the same as grassroots teams and ‘inherit’ balls from other clubs!!!”
Arsenal, though, could now give the ball on to Leicester City after Mikel Arteta’s side were dumped out by Liverpool.
After wasting a host of good chances, the Gunners were made to pay as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s whipped free-kick was headed into his own net by Jakub Kiwior prompting wild celebrations.
Then deep into injury time, Luis Diaz rifled into the top corner to seal the win.
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It means Liverpool booked their spot in the fourth-round draw alongside Leicester.
Goals from Cesare Casadei, Ricardo Pereira and Tom Cannon ensured the 2016 Premier League champions saw off the Lions in South London.
Leicester were 3-2 winners away at Millwall on SaturdayCredit: Getty
John Brooks, from Leicestershire, refereed the FA Cup clashCredit: Alamy More

RYAN REYNOLDS made a Les Miserables joke as he watched Wrexham pull off an FA Cup upset alongside Hugh Jackman.The Red Dragons travelled to League One side Shrewsbury and won the third-round clash 1-0 thanks to a goal from Thomas O’Connor.
Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds watched Wrexham in the FA CupCredit: https://twitter.com/VancityReynolds
Reynolds celebrates the Red Dragons win over ShrewsburyCredit: https://twitter.com/RealHughJackman
Rob McElhenney photoshopped Reynolds into Wolverine
Wrexham are in the FA Cup fourth roundCredit: Getty
Wrexham are battling for promotion in League Two but are ready for another FA Cup adventure after reaching the fourth round last year.
They took Sheffield United to a reply on that occasion as a non-league side and owner Reynolds was delighted to see them progress once again.
He shared a photo of himself and fellow actor Jackman watching intently from his New York mansion.
Reynolds joked: “Watching Wrexham in the FA Cup with Prisoner 24601.”
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Wolverine star Jackman, who played Jean Valjean aka Prisoner 24601 in Les Miserables, then shared a snap of Reynolds celebrating after the final whistle.
His pal and co-owner Rob McElhenney, of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia fame, photoshopped the pic, adding Wolverine claws and the yellow and black helmet worn by the animated character.
Wrexham are now in the hat for the next round and they could face defending champions Manchester City or Liverpool after the Reds beat Arsenal 2-0.
The FA Cup fourth round draw takes place on Monday at 7.50pm during ITV’s coverage of Manchester United vs Wigan.
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Wrexham are one of the lowest-ranked clubs left in the competition and Reynold and McElhenney could be eyeing a shot at a giant killing.
Premier League giants Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle also progressed and could give Wrexham a money-spinning tie. More

TWO Liverpool players hilariously slapped a pitch invader on the head during their goal celebrations at Arsenal.And then one of them threw his hat into the crowd in brilliant scenes.
Darwin Nunez whacked the uninvited guest on the head during the goal celebrationsCredit: BBC
Ibrahima Konate also joined inCredit: BBC
Konate then snatched the supporter’s hat off his headCredit: BBC
He threw the black beanie into the crowdCredit: BBC
Liverpool stars went crazy when Jakub Kiwior headed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s wicked free-kick delivery into his own net to break the deadlock in their FA Cup third-round clash.
And as the men in purple congregated together to celebrate the goal in front of the travelling away fans, one member of the public jumped the advertising hoardings to join in.
But it came at a cost for the unidentified supporter who may regret their actions.
That is because Ibrahima Konate and striker Darwin Nunez both whacked the unknown fan on the head as emotions spilt over.
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Then as stewards tried to wrestle the trespasser away, centre-back Konate grabbed the person’s hat and pulled it off their head.
And then the French prankster then launched the woolly beanie away into the stands – for no apparently clear reason.
Viewers watching the blockbuster tie on TV could barely believe what they were seeing.
One said: “Anyone see Konate take that fan’s hat off and launch it? Howling.”
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Another wrote: “Best part of that goal was Nunez smacking the fan who ran on on the head repeatedly then Konate jumps on and rips the fan’s hat off his head to throw it away.”
A third added: “No way Konate just threw that fan’s hat.”
A fourth commented: “Absolutely crying at Konate nicking that poor lad’s hat and throwing it into the crowd.”
A fifth replied: “Konate didn’t like that fella’s hat did he?”

And a final user added: “Why did Konate throw that guy’s hat away like that?”
It was a memorable afternoon for Konate who was named man of the match at the Emirates.
He put in a series of important block and – combined with Arsenal’s poor finishing – ensured Liverpool kept a clean sheet.
Kiwior’s own goal put the Reds in front and Luis Diaz sealed the win with an emphatic finish deep into injury time.
Jakub Kiwior scored an own goal to put Liverpool in frontCredit: EPA
Luis Diaz added the Reds’ second to book their place in round fourCredit: Getty More

KEVIN DE BRUYNE took just 17 minutes to beat Antony’s assist record for the season.The Manchester United flop has struggled in the final third this campaign with zero goals and assists in 21 games.
Kevin De Bruyne produced an assist within 17 minutes of coming onCredit: Getty
Antony has not scored or assisted yet this seasonCredit: Getty
De Bruyne, 23, who had not played since the first day of the season due to injury, returned to action in the FA Cup third round against Huddersfield.
He came off the bench in the 57th minute and it took him just 17 minutes to show what City have missed.
The Belgian played a one-two with Oscar Bobb before chipping the ball to the back post for Jeremy Doku to fire home.
De Bruyne now has two assists for the season in just 82 minutes of football.
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While Antony has played more than 1200 minutes in all competitions without a goal contribution.
City thrashed Huddersfield 5-0 thanks to a Phil Foden double as well as goals from Julian Alvarez, Doku and a Ben Jackson own goal.
The defending champions are now in the hat for the fourth round along with Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool, who beat Arsenal 2-0.
The draw takes place on Monday at 7:50pm during ITV’s coverage of Wigan vs Manchester United.
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City are number 21 and will be hoping to avoid a clash with one of their Premier League rivals. More

ARSENAL managed everything but score – and were made to pay for their wastefulness.The Gunners racked up a staggering 18 attempts against Liverpool in their blockbuster FA Cup third-round clash at the Emirates.
Wasteful Arsenal were dumped out of the FA CupCredit: Getty

But after seeing so many chances go begging, Jakub Kiwior was the unlucky man who inadvertently headed a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross into his own net.
And as Arsenal tried to find an equaliser deep into injury time, Luis Diaz sealed Liverpool’s place in round four with an emphatic finish.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Mikel Arteta’s men at the Emirates…
AARON RAMSDALE – 8
Back in goal and providing with ball at feet inside the first three minutes. Unlucky not to have an assist to his name.
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Did not have to make a save until mid-way through the second half, then made an amazing stop to deny Diaz at his near post. 
Nothing he could do about Kiwior’s calamity and a Diaz breakaway screamer.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 5
Looks uncomfortable at left-back in an Arsenal shirt, not that Arteta had much choice.
Struggled to contain Diaz after the break, then scored an own goal. A poor showing.
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GABRIEL – 7
Another fine display at the heart of Arsenal’s defence and almost got on the end of a Havertz cross to open the scoring.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
A few iffy passes out from the back but recovered well.
Was otherwise a rock, in particular a superb tackle on Nunez in the box. His yellow card was a harsh one.
BEN WHITE – 8
Pin-point long throws high up the pitch giving team-mates great platform to attack and had a thump of his own that forced a good save from Alisson.
Long ball over the top in the second half almost teed up Saka. Finally looks fully fit and back to his best.
Aaron Ramsdale could have had an assist thanks to his brilliant kickingCredit: AFP
Jakub Kiwior headed into his own net to put Liverpool in frontCredit: Reuters
William Saliba made a superb tackle on Darwin NunezCredit: Getty
DECLAN RICE – 9
Does this guy ever have an off night?
Another machine-like performance, covering every blade of grass and mopped up any mess. Did not put a foot wrong.
JORGINHO – 7
Marshalled the midfield well and kept them ticking over. Made way for Nketiah with ten minutes remaining.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
Seriously unlucky not to open the scoring with his effort smacking the bar and was at his creative and energetic best. Drove the team forward and kept them pushing.
Unfortunately gave away the free-kick that led to Liverpool’s late goal.

Reiss Nelson went round Alisson but couldn’t find the finishCredit: Reuters
Martin Odegaard crashed an effort against the crossbarCredit: Reuters
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Like at Anfield, was getting the better of Gomez down the right with darting runs outside and inside.
But was later guilty of missing a glaring volley from a brilliant set-piece move.
REISS NELSON – 7
Had chance to nick the lead from a Ramsdale goal kick, rounding Alisson but hitting the side-netting. Looked sharp on and off the ball in the first half.
Some neat touches after the break and unlucky to be brought off on the hour mark.
KAI HAVERTZ – 8
Did everything but score. Fluffed chances at the back post from two Saka corners and an Odegaard reverse pass but was involved heavily in all of Arsenal’s big moments.
Continued to be influential after the break with a cute dinked cross that should have been stuck away by Saka.
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SUBS
GABRIEL MARTINELLI (NELSON 62) – 7
Looked lively with a point to prove. Did Alexander-Arnold for pace on several occasions.
EDDIE NKETIAH (JORGINHO 80) – 6
Usually so good at making an impact off the bench, but was quiet tonight.
EMILE SMITH ROWE (HAVERTZ 88) – N/A
LEANDRO TROSSARD (KIWIOR 88) – N/A

Kai Havertz had a host of good chancesCredit: Getty
Bukayo Saka was unable to find the netCredit: Getty
Luis Diaz rounded off the win deep into injury timeCredit: Reuters
The Colombian rifled into the top corner in styleCredit: Reuters More

WHAT price Ivan Toney? What price any striker with an eye for goal?Because Arsenal’s season is in danger of sinking without trace after they squandered a hatful of chances before a Jakub Kiwior own goal and an injury-time Luis Diaz strike sentenced them to an FA Cup third-round exit.
Jakub Kiwior’s own goal put Liverpool in frontCredit: EPA
Luis Diaz added a late second with the last kick of the matchCredit: Reuters
The Reds are through to the FA Cup fourth roundCredit: Reuters
Martin Odegaard was one of several Arsenal stars guilty of missing chancesCredit: Getty
Mikel Arteta’s side have now produced 48 attempts on goal in their last two home matches without scoring in either.
And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was delighted to avoid a third-round replay and another trademark moan about fixture congestion as his side sneaked an undeserved win.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were the worst culprits for wasteful Arsenal before Klopp’s side staged a strong finish to snatch victory.
But the Gunners have now mustered just one win, and five goals, in their last seven matches – a run which has left them five points adrift of Liverpool in fourth place in the Premier League.
Gabriel Jesus missed this with a knee injury but the Brazilian is no prolific striker.
So while Brentford insist Toney will only be sold for a ridiculous fee, it is worth Arsenal asking exactly how ridiculous they mean.
After failing to convert 30 chances in their 2-0 home defeat by West Ham, they were almost as profligate again here.
Liverpool, top of the league and facing Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, are still going for a quadruple this season – despite rarely touching the heights of their title-winning campaign four years ago.
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As well as Mo Salah and Wataru Endo, away on international duty, Klopp was without Virgil Van Dijk through illness.
In the absence of Jesus, Arteta moved Havertz to centre-forward and brought in Reiss Nelson and Jorginho, as well as Aaron Ramsale in goals.
Yet the line-ups still suggested these two title-chasing managers were taking the cup seriously enough.
Arsenal, wearing all white as part of their ‘No More Red’ anti-knife crime initiative, were almost in front in the third minute when Ramsdale’s long ball sent Nelson clean through but, after rounding Alisson, he shot into the side-netting.
Showing an impressive early response to their back-to-back league defeats, Arteta’s men began with verve and urgency.
Havertz was twice denied by Alisson in quick succession – at the back stick from a Saka corner then with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
When Joe Gomez was robbed by Saka and Havertz cut back, Martin Odegaard thumped a shot against the bar and the league leaders were rocking.
The Gunners couldn’t make their lighting start count, though, and Darwin Nunez – a striker who’d struggle to locate a cow’s backside with a banjo just now – headed a Harvey Elliott corner wide from close range.
Arsenal have now lost three games on the bounceCredit: AFP
Kai Havertz was one of several wasteful Gooners
Arsenal had 18 shots but failed to find the net
Diaz was one of Liverpool’s star performers
Still apart from that it was all Arsenal, with Saka rediscovering his customary vigour, having looked fatigued of late.
Declan Rice won a strong tackle to dispossess Alexis Mac Allister high up the pitch but Havertz scuffed his shot horribly.
Next Ben White let rip with a fierce drive, which Alisson tipped over and from the resulting Saka corner, Havertz screwed a free header wide.
The German was having one of his infuriating days and soon shot meekly at Alisson after Nelson had won possession impressively.
After waves of Arsenal pressure, Liverpool skipper Trent Alexander-Arnold rocketed a shot against the bar as Klopp’s men finished a tough half on a high.
The visitors raised their game early in the second period and when Alexander-Arnold picked out Nunez, he drilled an angled shot narrowly wide.
After William Saliba’s crucial saving tackle denied Nunez, Mac Allister fouled Jorginho deep in the Liverpool half and Odegaard’s cute free-kick released Havertz, who chipped to the back post where an off-balance Saka volleyed over.
Alisson was soon forced to push away a Havertz cross which had taken a dangerous deflection but Saka made a hash of the rebound.
Arteta sent on Gabriel Martinelli for Nelson, as Klopp introduced Diogo Jota and Ryan Gravenberch.
Liverpool were still offering a threat on the counter but when Nunez and Luis Diaz were sent through two-on-one, the Uruguayan botched his pass to his unmarked Colombian team-mate.
Klopp then called for midfielder Bobby Clark – the teenage son of former Newcastle midfielder Lee – and Northern Ireland right-back Conor Bradley.
Ramsdale had to wait until the 77th minute before he was asked to make a save of note but he denied Diaz with a brilliant stop at the far post.
From the resulting corner, Jota headed against the bar and Nunez squandered another presentable chance.
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Bukayo Saka was sloppy in possession
Both sides had ample opportunities to win the game
For the first time in the match, Liverpool were on top, and when Odegaard fouled Gravenberch on the left wing, Alexander-Arnold delivered a wicked free-kick which Kiwior headed beyond his own keeper.
And in the dying seconds, Liverpool broke swiftly and, with the Gunners defence stretched, Jota fed Diaz who lashed into the roof of the net. More