FA Cup fourth round: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

The Emirates FA Cup fourth round delivered drama, upsets, and giant-killings over the February 13-16 weekend, with non-League sides shining and Premier League heavyweights advancing. As Macclesfield FC host Brentford on Monday evening, here are 10 key talking points from the action.[1][2][3]

1. Macclesfield's giant-slaying momentum

Non-League Macclesfield, 117 league places below Crystal Palace, stunned the holders 2-1 in the third round—a feat not matched by a non-League side since Millwall in 1913-14. With 22 goals in their hot streak and D'Mani Mellor netting seven, they eye another upset against Brentford, who reached this stage for the first time since 2021-22.[1][4]

2. Chelsea cruise at Hull

Chelsea dominated Hull 4-0 on Friday, extending their unbeaten run against the Tigers to nine games. Charlton Athletic fell 1-5 earlier, but Chelsea's firepower signals title intent.[1][3]

3. Wrexham edge Ipswich

Hollywood-backed Wrexham secured a 1-0 win over Championship Ipswich, booking a fifth-round clash and fueling their fairy-tale narrative.[1][2]

4. Mansfield stun Burnley

League Two Mansfield toppled Championship Burnley 2-1, with Jaidon Anthony involved in four goals this Cup run, marking a classic underdog triumph.[1][4]

5. Penalty drama: Leeds over Birmingham

Birmingham held Leeds 1-1, but Leeds triumphed 4-2 on pens, advancing amid shootout tension.[1][3]

6. Liverpool dismantle Brighton

Liverpool cruised 3-0 past Brighton, topping the fifth-round draw seeding.[1][2]

7. Man City overpower Salford

Manchester City won 2-0 against local rivals Salford, their second straight victory after an 8-0 third-round romp.[1][3][4]

8. Newcastle's Villa victory

Newcastle stunned Aston Villa 3-1, building on their penalty heroics against Bournemouth in prior rounds.[1][3]

9. Arsenal's set-piece mastery

Arsenal thrashed Wigan 4-0, all goals from set pieces, leading the competition in such strikes.[1][4]

10. Fifth-round draw buzz

The draw, live from Macclesfield on TNT Sports Monday at 6:35pm GMT, features Liverpool (1), Arsenal (6), and more. Winners earn £127,000.[2][5]

Upsets like Macclesfield's linger as the Cup's magic endures, with fifth round set for March 7.[3][5]