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    Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2: Gunners crash out in FA Cup third round AGAIN as Arteta’s side pay price for lack of striker

    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

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    One-cap England star turns into ‘prime Didier Drogba’ with ‘Puskas contender’ that leaves opposition players stunned

    LEEDS star Patrick Bamford left fans and the opposition gobsmacked with a wondergoal on Sunday afternoon.The striker has been out of form this season but proved class is permanent with perhaps the best goal of the round in the FA Cup.
    Patrick Bamford took the ball on his chest
    He then unleashed a powerful drive that hit the top corner
    Peterborough defender Jadel Katongo was left stunned
    Leeds visited League One high-flyers Peterborough and brushed them aside easily, winning 3-0.
    Bamford, 30, doubled the lead for his side in the second half with an incredible strike from distance.
    A long ball was played up to Bamford, who took the ball on his chest with his back to goal.
    He then unleashed a powerful volley on the spin and the ball flew into the top corner.
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    The travelling faithful went wild and Posh players looked stunned, with one covering his mouth in shock.
    Bamford, who won one England cap in 2021, was praised by fans on social media.
    One said: “That Bamford Goal… Prime Drogba goal.”
    Another added: “Puskas contender!”
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    A third wrote: “James Rodriguez vibes.”
    And another commented: “What an amazing goal! Absolute stunner.” More

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    Thiago Silva’s wife shows off outrageous restaurant bill as Chelsea star takes Wag out to swanky London restaurant

    THIAGO SILVA’S wife shared her shock at a huge restaurant bill as the couple celebrated Chelsea’s FA Cup joy – by posting a picture of it.And below her Instagram snap of the £900.30 bill, Isabelle da Silva wrote: “A simple family dinner” – adding an astonished emoji.
    Outspoken Isabelle da Silva and Thiago Silva enjoyed a costly meal out after Chelsea’s 4-0 third-round win over PrestonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Isabelle showed her feelings as she shared a pic of the billCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Thiago Silva enjoyed scoring Chelsea’s second goal as they ran riot in the FA Cup after the interval against Championship side PrestonCredit: Getty
    Silva service doesn’t come cheap at the Novikov Restaurant in London’s Mayfair – but fellow football legends like Paul Pogba and Harry Kane can vouch it’s nothing personal.
    Wayne Rooney, Neymar, John Terry, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Robin van Persie and Alexis Sanchez have also dined there.
    Thiago won’t have minded too much – having scored as Chelsea feasted in the second half to thump Preston 4-0 earlier on Saturday and as he also earns over £100,000 a week.
    He and Isabelle appeared to be just as ravenous that evening – with a £95 King Crab leg and £85 Peking Duck part of their packed order.
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    The restaurant, which has a “smart and elegant” dress code, offers both Italian and Asian menus.
    You could scrimp on a salad starter or pasta dishes –  starting for ‘only’ £20 – or opt for £130 “Novikov Royal Caviar” at the other end of the price list.
    And in fact the Italian lunch menu costs only £29 for three courses.
    Meanwhile, 39-year-old Thiago remains the key man in Chelsea’s defence.
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    The 113-cap Brazilian even headed the Blues’ second goal against mid-table Championship side Huddersfield.
    So his manager Mauricio Pochettino might think Silva was entitled to pouch, or Poch, some top-notch posh nosh afterwards. More

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    When are the FA Cup 2023/24 third round replays?

    FA CUP replays make the iconic competition that little bit more intriguing – and it’s safe to say that there will be several of them in the third round.Premier League rivals Wolves and Brentford were the first pair to kick-start the need for a replay in this season’s competition.
    Bristol City have forced a replay against West HamCredit: AFP
    And since then, SIX more matches have ended in a draw and will have to be played again.
    But fans want to know when exactly these replays are taking place.
    When are the FA Cup replays?
    The FA Cup replays will commence on Monday, January 15.
    But matches could get played up until Thursday, January 18 depending on how many fixtures there are.
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    Are there FA Cup replays for every round?
    In 2020/21 and the 2021/22 season, all replays were scrapped due to a fixture congestion.
    But they were brought back in the 2022/23 campaign. for the third and fourth rounds.
    However, from the fifth round onwards, there will be NO replays which means that all matches have to be concluded on the night even if it takes extra time and penalties.
    What matches need to be replayed for 2023/24 third round?

    Wolves vs Brentford
    Eastleigh vs Newport County
    Bristol Rovers vs Norwich
    Birmingham vs Hull
    Bristol vs West Ham

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    Wigan won the FA Cup and could have avoided relegation three days later if we’d celebrated properly, says Paul Scharner

    PAUL SCHARNER is proud to be the only Austrian to have won an FA Cup final.But that glorious day for Wigan at Wembley in 2013 is tinged with deep regret for the former defender.
    Paul Scharner shows off his 2013 FA Cup winners medal and shirt he wore that day against Manchester City at home in Austria
    Austrian ace Paul Scharner proudly holds aloft the FA Cup at Wembley
    That is because Scharner believes then boss Roberto Martinez and owner Dave Whelan’s decision not to let the team celebrate that weekend contributed to their relegation from the Premier League three days later.
    And as a consequence the club have suffered dark days since — going into administration and yo-yo’ing between the Championship and League One.
    Scharner flew home and refused to go on an open-top bus parade with the trophy when the team were finally allowed to enjoy their historic 1-0 win over Manchester City nine days later.
    And the Latics cult hero, now 43, told SunSport: “I was too hurt. Winning the FA Cup was the biggest achievement in Wigan’s history but we had been relegated.
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    “I skipped the bus parade and flew home. I watched the videos later but couldn’t imagine I’d stay on the bus celebrating like we’d won the league.
    “Of course, I missed something because half of Wigan was on the streets celebrating but I couldn’t throw away my sad emotions and celebrate like we’d only had success.”
    Wigan celebrate winning the FA Cup with boss Roberto Martinez
    It had been a bizarre sequence of events caused by the FA Cup final being played one week before the domestic league season finished.
    Wigan, who host Manchster United in the third round on Monday night, had written one of the most glorious chapters in FA Cup history after Ben Watson’s injury-time winner stunned Roberto Mancini’s Premier League champions.
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    But they had to win at Arsenal in their penultimate game of the season three nights later or drop into the Championship.
    So the decision was made for Martinez and his players to travel home by coach that evening with alcohol banned so champagne was replaced by Lucozade.
    We should’ve had a big celebration until Sunday evening before starting preparations on Monday.It would’ve brought more energy for the Arsenal matchPAUL SCHARNER
    And Scharner recalled: “Dave Whelan came into the dressing room after the game and said, ‘Congratulations, boys  — but we need to concentrate on Tuesday.’
    “We’d made history for Wigan and pulled off one of the biggest cup final shocks.
    “It was the same with Martinez, ‘The focus must be on Arsenal.’
    “But looking back, had I been the manager, I’d have stayed in London and not travelled back until after the Arsenal game on Tuesday.
    “We should’ve had a big celebration until Sunday evening before starting preparations on Monday. 
    “It would’ve brought more energy for the Arsenal match. When you’re in this unbelievably happy moment after such a big win, you must focus on the emotions and keep the energy you had on the pitch on Saturday because we’d won the FA Cup. 
    “I don’t think it was the best decision to go back to Wigan with no celebration.”
    The team, having travelled home with the flattest celebration ever, then had to come all the way back to North London a couple of days later.
    And despite a spirited first-half performance Wigan were thumped 4-1 by the Gunners.
    Wigan were relegated from the Premier League at Arsenal three days after the biggest win of their history
    Scharner sighed: “Theo Walcott killed us in the second half. It was difficult for me because one of the main targets I had in my career was never to have a relegation on my CV.
    “All the things that have happened to the club since were a consequence of that season.”
    The Austrian was on loan for the second half of the FA Cup-winning season from Hamburg to help Martinez shore up his leaky defence — but he had previously enjoyed four seasons at the club from 2006 to 2010.
    And he believes Wigan never fully fulfilled their potential when they were in the top-flight because Whelan was not ambitious enough.
    Scharner points to the 2008-09 season when the club were flying high under Steve Bruce and sitting sixth halfway through the season with European football a realistic target.
    He said: “Whelan was so happy with Premier League status. He only looked at that.
    David Whelan was not ambitious about European football and sold his best players
    “He didn’t grow his target and that’s why Wigan stopped developing.
    “A good example was in 2008-09 when we were sixth after Christmas and he sold Emile Heskey and Wilson Palacios, our main players, during the January transfer window to Aston Villa and Tottenham.
    “And that is because Whelan wasn’t interested in Wigan playing European football. I can tell you now: we had definite potential at that time to compete in the top third of the table.”
    Scharner revealed the mental pressure made him feel ill on the morning of the final — and he added: “During the game, my body temperature skyrocketed but I couldn’t stop because I wanted to win the trophy.
    “I was near to having some tears when walking out. You cannot allow emotions to overwhelm you but also need to keep some for on the pitch.
    “During my career, I set up two or three special mental tricks to stop it. One was to put a stop sign in my mind to immediately stop negative thoughts.”
    Scharner, famed for his wacky haircuts and dress sense, never played senior football again after Wigan’s final game in 2013 against Aston Villa — deciding to retire after failing to get a look-in when he returned to Hamburg.
    The Austrian now runs his own business called “Lighthouse – Partners for Life” where he works as a “personal coach”. 
    He said: “I help young players learn what it takes to become a pro — not just on the pitch but lifestyle things and the mental side of the game.”
    Paul Scharner returned to Wigan for a special 10th anniversary event including a charity football match
    Scharner returned to Wigan last year for a special 10th anniversary gala and charity football match as well as reacquainting himself with former team-mate and current Latics boss Shaun Maloney.
    And the Austrian believes the new owners  and investors led by local businessman Mike Danson have started a brighter chapter for the club.
    He said: “Hopefully, their finances have stabilised for the next decade to focus on promotion again at least to the Championship. Wigan is definitely a Championship team and one that sometimes can go for promotion to the Premier League. 
    Wigan heroes support Joseph’s Goal charityPAUL SCHARNER and the Wigan’s 2013 FA Cup heroes support a family-charity called Joseph’s Goal.
    Formed in 2012 , it helps fund research into the rare genetic disorder NKH. Joseph Kendrick was Wigan Athletic’s lucky mascot at the 2013 FA Cup final. He was given days to live after being born but is now 14 and an inspiration for everything. There’s an annual legends game at Wigan which Scharner, Roberto Martinez, Shaun Maloney, Antonio Valencia and Bryan Robson have played in.

    “Because of the foreign investors they had for the last couple of years, they’re now happy to have Wigan-based ones that belong to the heritage. 
    “And the club has created with their past players a group where we can always communicate, and we are always invited to the home games.
    “It’s vital for a club like Wigan to build some heritage and get some support for their long-term success.”
    I threw away my cup losers medal – then got a Christmas card from fan who caught it
    WIGAN legend Paul Scharner threw his League Cup runners-up medal away after losing to Manchester United in the 2006 final.
    United thumped the Latics 4-0 at the Millennium Stadium and so Scharner was so cross he threw his medal into the crowd.
    And he said: “I was so disappointed with the set-plays that I threw my medal away. 
    “The final was in February but what was funny is that I got a Christmas card later that year from a Wigan fan who caught the medal. 
    “I got a big thank you and it was written like it was the best day of his life!”
    Wigan could well be excused for losing by a similar scoreline on Monday night in the FA Cup against a United team two divisions above them.
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    But Scharner believes United can be beaten.
    He said: “I guess they will rest some players for the Premier League game and there’s an opportunity to win the game and surprise many people. Let’s hope so.” More

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    Man City 5 Huddersfield 0: Kevin De Bruyne returns after five months out as FA Cup holders thump Championship strugglers

    HE’S back – and needed no time to return to doing what he does best.Kevin De Bruyne made his long-awaited comeback to the Manchester City team after almost five months out due to hamstring surgery.
    Kevin De Bruyne provided an assist as he returned off the benchCredit: PA
    Jeremy Doku celebrates notching Man City’s fifth goalCredit: Getty
    He was only on the pitch for 35 minutes but was still able to have a hand in two goals in another rout for the FA Cup holders.
    No wonder Jurgen Klopp said the whole country was shaking about the brilliant Belgian coming back into the fold.
    You can stop shaking now, Jurgen – and start worrying because the early signs are he can have a huge say on the final few months of the season.
    The only question is where will Pep Guardiola play him – because Phil Foden has been relishing the central role he normally occupies.
    The Three Lions ace was superb again here – scoring twice as City awoke from a slow start and ran riot.
    It was always going to be a tall order for a team on the edges of the Championship relegation zone to come to the home of the newly-crowned world champions.
    But in addition, Huddersfield boss Darren Moore had to pick a team without 12 players – due to injury and international call ups.
    Guardiola opted to shake up his team despite having a rare midweek off in the build up.
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    Ederson, Kyle Walker and Rodri were among those to be stood down – and they were soon joined on the sidelines by Manuel Akanji.
    A thumping challenge from Alex Matos earned himayellow cardbut ended the afternoon of the Swiss defender in the 18th minute.
    His replacement Matheus Nunes perked up the home side who had struggled to get going in the opening exchanges.
    A shot from Oscar Bobb which deflected wide off team-mate Rico Lewis summed up their early efforts.
    But two goals in the space of four minutes just after the half hour put the tie beyond the visitors.
    First a shot from Julian Alvarez was blocked but the loose ball fell nicely into the path of  Foden who hammered it past Lee Nicholls from a tight angle.
     Town were still dusting themselves down when City struck again as Nunes played a neat one-two and burst into the box.
    His pull back reached Lewis whose connection was not what he wanted but Alvarez was able to divert it on target and over the line.
    “We want 10” chanted the home fans.
    For all that has happened since, the day back in 1987 when City hit double figures against the Terriers has not been forgotten.
    The loudest cheer of the day was reserved for KDB when he replaced Alvarez 10 minutes after the re-start.
    As ever things started to happen with the Belgian on the pitch – although surprisingly he was not involved as City added to their lead.
    A long ball forward from Mateo Kovacic was plucked out of the sky by Nunes and he played into the path of Bobb.
    The Norwegian youngster’s clever chip over Nicholls kissed the underside of the bar on its way in  
    Sorba Thomas fluffed the chance to give Town’s noisy away fans a consolation when he wriggled free of Ruben Dias but Ortega saved with his feet.  
    And De Bruyne was involved as City scored a fourth as he rolled a pass to Sergio Gomez who nudged it on to Kovacic.
    The Croatian found Foden on the edge of the box and he swept a low shot into the corner.
    The England starlet has relished his role in the middle in recent weeks – maybe because he’s had the old master KDB breathing down his neck.
    A goal for their beloved Belgian was what the crowd realy wanted but he whistled a 25 yard effort just over the angle.
    Yet an assist was the next best thing and he produced one of them as he swapped passes with Bobb before clipping a cross to the back post.
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    His fellow Belgium international and sub Jeremy Doku – himself returning from injury – was there to sweep home on the half volley.
    How they have missed their main man – and what a tonic for City to get him back.   More

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    FA Cup third round LIVE RESULTS: Man City dismantle Huddersfield, Bristol hold West Ham to a shock draw – latest

    THE FA Cup continues today with a bumper afternoon of third round action.Holders Manchester City have thrashed Huddersfield 5-0, while Bristol City held West Ham to a shock draw.
    And Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates in the tie of round three.

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    Follow ALL the action from the FA Cup 3rd round with our live blog below…
    Up next
    Following the conclusion of today’s 2pms its time to look ahead to the rest of the action to come in the FA Cup.
    Arsenal take on Liverpool at home in what is the pick of the fixtures from the round.
    Arsenal will be wearing an all white kit in order to aid victims of knife crime.
    Full time results
    Here’s the full time results for the FA Cup third round from around the country.

    West Ham 1-1 Bristol City
    Nottingham Forest 2-2 Blackpool
    Luton 0-0 Bolton
    Peterborough 0-3 Leeds
    Shrewsbury 0-1 Wrexham
    West Brom 4-1 Aldershot
    Man City 5-0 Huddersfield

    Nottingham Forest 2-2 Blackpool
    League One Blackpool have held Forest to a 2-2 draw at the City Ground.
    They had been leading 2-0, with Forest scoring one either side of the half-time whistle to just about spare their blushes.
    Luton 0-0 Bolton FULL TIME
    League one bolton have held Premier League Luton to a draw at Kenilworth Road,
    There’ll be a replay at the Tough Sheet Stadium.
    West Brom 4-0 Aldershot – GOAL!
    88′ Tom Fellows’ strike makes it 4-0 to West Brom.
    They’ve absolutely cruised past non-league Aldershot today.
    Can Forest stop a shock? Nottingham Forest 2-2 Blackpool
    Forest have come back from two goals down against Blackpool to potentially put stop to a huge upset.
    Blackpool led Forest 2-1 at half-time but Morgan Gibbs-White’s 59th minute equaliser has spared their blushes for now.
    Manchester city 5-0 Huddersfield GOAL!
    Kevin De Bruyne with an assist for Jeremy Doku on his return to the side.
    The midfielder found his compatriot at the back post with Doku firing home on the volley.
    Credit: PA
    Manchester City 4-0 Huddersfield – GOAL!
    65′ Phil Foden makes it four to the holders with a wonderful finish.
    The midfielder slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area in what is increasingly becoming a trademark.
    Shrewsbury 0-1 Wrexham – GOAL!
    Hollywood Wrexham make it 1-0 with a goal through Thomas O’Connor.
    It’s been a complete deadlock so far but Wrecham’s quality has ultimately shone through.
    Manchester City 3-0 Huddersfield – GOAL!
    58′ Manchester City have made it 3-0 as the holders continue to stroll past Huddersfield.
    A deflected Oscar Bobb compounds Huddersfield’s misery… Just as Kevin De Bruyne comes on.
    How many could City rack up?
    Peterborough 0-2 Leeds – GOAL!
    47. Leeds have made it 2-0 thanks to an unbelievable strike from Patrick Bamford.
    The striker took the ball down with his chest before volleying it on the turn past the Peterborough keeper.
    Credit: Rex
    Third Round half-time scores
    The half-time whistle has now blown in all of this afternoon’s third round ties, and here is the current state of play.

    Luton 0-0 Bolton
    Man City 2-0 Huddersfield
    Nott’m Forest 1-2 Blackpool
    Peterborough 0-1 Leeds
    Shrewsbury 0-0 Wrexham
    West Brom 3-0 Aldershot
    West Ham 1-0 Bristol City

    League One Blackpool are 45 minutes away from a Premier League scalp, leading 2-1 at Nottingham Forest, while Bolton are currently holding Luton at Kenilworth Road.
    But there are no shocks as far as holders Man City, West Ham and West Brom are concerned with all three sides leading in front of their own fans.
    The fierce derby between League One Shrewsbury and League Two Wrexham is goalless at the break.

    West Ham 1-0 Bristol City
    44. Since scoring the first goal of the day, it hasn’t exactly gone according to plan for David Moyes.
    The Hammers still lead their Championship opponents, but have lost both Lucas Paqueta and Konstantinos Mavropanos to injuries in the first half.
    Nott’m Forest 1-2 Blackpool – GOAL!
    39. The Premier League side have one back!
    Argentines combine as a pinpoint cross from Gonzalo Montiel on the right is met powerfully by the head of Nicolas Dominguez.
    No chance, Daniel Grimshaw! Back in with a chance, Nottingham Forest!

    Man City 2-0 Huddersfield – GOAL!
    37. Have the floodgates opened at the Etihad?
    Manchester City have a quickfire second after passing Huddersfield into submission in and around the box.
    After some intricate one-touch stuff, Rico Lewis steers an effort towards the far post and Julian Alvarez finishes off.

    Peterborough 0-1 Leeds – GOAL!
    34. Leeds lead at London Road!
    The Championship outfit catch Posh cold with a quick free-kick, and Ethan Ampadu is on hand to convert his first goal for the club.
    Daniel Farke’s visitors are looking pretty in pink.

    Man City 1-0 Huddersfield – GOAL!
    33. Huddersfield Town have performed admirably at the FA Cup holders this afternoon, but they’ve finally been undone by Pep Guardiola’s relentless machine.
    It’s a typically-composed finish from Phil Foden, who is first on to Julian Alvarez’s deflected shot, eventually smashing his own into the roof of the net.
    West Brom 3-0 Aldershot – GOAL!
    27. What a moment for Daryl Dike!
    Back in the West Brom starting line-up after eight months out with an Achilles tendon injury, and he’s already among the goals.
    The American striker powers in a superb volley just shy of the half hour mark, and it already means that there’s no way back for National League Aldershot.

    Nott’m Forest 0-2 Blackpool – GOAL!
    27. It’s two in two minutes for the Seasiders!
    This time, Albie Morgan is the man in the right place this time, sliding in CJ Hamilton’s cross at the far post to double the League One side’s advantage.
    The Nottingham Forest fans are not impressed with what they’re seeing. Cooper out? Oh, hang on…

    Nott’m Forest 0-1 Blackpool – GOAL!
    25. We have a potential upset on the cards at the City Ground where League One Blackpool have edged in front against the Premier League hosts.
    And it’s the former Nottingham Forest man, Jordan Gabriel, who has grabbed the opener.
    The defender took advantage of a poor clearance to loop his header past Odysseas Vlachodimos.

    Man City 0-0 Huddersfield
    18. No goals so far at the Etihad, but Pep Guardiola does have some cause for concern.
    Manuel Akanji has been forced off early after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Huddersfield debutant Alex Matos, on loan from Chelsea.
    Matheus Nunes is on in place for the defender which is likely to see Rico Lewis shit from midfield to the back line.
    West Brom 2-0 Aldershot – GOAL!
    15. About that hard uphill task… it’s a mountain now!
    Jovan Malcolm capitalises on a mistake at the back, and races through to fire low past Jordi van Stappershoef.
    It’s a thoroughly professional job so far from the Baggies, and Aldershot are unlikely to be joining fellow non-league club Maidstone in the fourth round draw.
    West Brom 1-0 Aldershot – GOAL!
    7. From West Ham to West Brom.
    Albion have an early lead against their non-league counterparts courtesy of Nathan Chalobah.
    The former Fulham man wallops Tom Fellows’ cut-back into the top corner from 12 yards out, and a tough ask for the National Leaguers has just got that bit harder.
    West Ham 1-0 Bristol City – GOAL!
    4. Fancy another cup run, West Ham fans?
    This season’s stint in the FA Cup has got off to the best possible start with Jarrod Bowen bagging his 14th goal of the season in all competitions.
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    Maidstone owner takes swipe at BBC and ITV as huge FA Cup giant-killing snubbed for TV coverage – and names dream tie

    MAIDSTONE’S co-owner took a swipe at the BBC and ITV for snubbing their FA Cup giant-killing.And then he revealed who he wants to face next.
    George Elokobi and Sam Corne helped fire Maidstone into the FA Cup fourth roundCredit: Getty
    There were wonderful celebrations with Stones fans after the full-time whistleCredit: PA
    The National League South side were the lowest-ranked side in the third round of the famous competition.
    But TV bosses opted against selecting their clash against League One Stevenage to be broadcast live.
    That is despite showing eight of the 32 matches over the weekend – six on TV and a further two on BBC iPlayer and Red Button – with Wigan the only team not in the top two divisions to feature as they host Manchester United on Monday.
    As well as fans around the country being able to watch those matches live, the 12 teams picked also received £85,000 on top of their FA Cup prize money.
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    However, sixth-tier Maidstone were inexplicably overlooked.
    And it proved to be a blunder by the BBC and ITV as George Elokobi’s side produced a shock result at the Gallagher Stadium – with just three main cameras around the 792-seater ground.
    Sam Corne converted a penalty just before half-time – and that proved to be the only goal of the game.
    There was a jubilant pitch invasion when Maidstone secured the victory.
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    But the Stones’ co-owner Oliver Ash hit out at the broadcasters for overlooking the story of the weekend, which was the opening tie on Match of the Day.
    He told the Express: “Most people are amazed the cameras are not here.
    “I get that more people support Everton and Crystal Palace so the TV companies think they will get more viewers than Maidstone.
    “But it is a shame because the competition is all about games like ours – the lowest-ranked club in the competition against a side that could well be in the Championship next year.
    “It would have been wonderful TV. It is all about the magic of the FA Cup – it is so wonderful for the spirit of the club, the community and the town.
    “Definitely this is the biggest result in the club’s history. We are not going to win it, but more and more the FA Cup is something magic for clubs like ours.
    Credit: X
    “It may have lost its magic for the top clubs but it has gained its magic for us.”
    Maidstone’s social media team echoed their chief’s views with a brilliant tweet.
    They reshared the FA Cup’s tweet announcing the TV picks and replied: “Aged well,” with a sarcastic thumbs-up emoji.
    The Stones will be one of the standout numbers when the fourth-round draw takes place and will surely be on TV when that fixture takes place on the last weekend of January.
    And Ash knows exactly who he wants to face next.
    He added: “I want a home tie.
    Read more on The Sun
    “Having seen what it means to people to come and watch a big game here, it would be magic – even compared to a trip to one of the big clubs.
    “So let’s get Manchester City down to the Gallagher!”
    Corne scored a penalty just before half-timeCredit: PA
    Co-owner Oliver Ash wants Manchester City at home in round fourCredit: Reuters More