FA Cup

EAGLE-EYED football fans have spotted a not so subtle war of words between Newcastle and Sunderland before and after their FA Cup third round clash.The Black Cats were hosting the Magpies in the first Tyne-Wear derby for eight years.
Sunderland and Newcastle engaged in a war of words on their websites before and after the gameCredit: Rex
Newcastle made some subtle digs after their 3-0 winCredit: Getty
And the two clubs made sure to sneak in some light-hearted jabs at one another.
A 3-0 win for the visitors thanks to a Daniel Ballard own goal and Alexander Isak brace gave the Toon the perfect chance to poke fun at their rivals.
In the club’s match report for the game on their official website the first three sentences started with the letters “s”, “m”, and “b” for “sad Mackem b*******”.
The next three sentences had “u”, “t” and “m” for “Up the Mags”.
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The final four lines started with the letters “h”, “w”, “t”, “l” for “Howay the lads”.
However, Championship side Sunderland had made some digs of their own before the game when they published a form guide.
The first three sentences started with the letters “f”, “t” and “m”, which stands for “f*** the Mags”.
The second section saw three sentences start with “h”, “t” and “l” for the clubs rallying cry of “ha’way the lads”.
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Both clubs are understood to have taken the jabs as light-hearted banter.
The win means Newcastle have secured a spot in the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup.

It is scheduled to get underway during the coverage of Manchester United’s trip to Wigan which starts at 7:30pm GMT tonight – kick-off is at 8:15pm GMT.
Here’s what Newcastle’s match report looked likeCredit: Newcastle More

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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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