FA Cup: Title-holder Crystal Palace lose to Macclesfield in massive upset, Man City score 10 past Exeter
Non-league Macclesfield knocked out defending champions Crystal Palace 2-1, delivering the biggest upset in the history of the FA Cup, while Manchester City hammered Exeter City 10-1 on Saturday.
New Delhi: Non-league Macclesfield knocked out FA Cup title holders Crystal Palace 2-1, delivering the biggest upset in the history of the tournament on Saturday, January 10. Captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts netted in each half for the home side, which is coached by Wayne Rooney's younger brother, John.
Dawson headed home a curled free kick from Luke Duffy in the 43rd minute of the match. Buckley-Ricketts doubled their lead in the 60th minute, clipping the ball with the outside of his right foot past goalkeeper Walter Benítez. Palace's Yeremy Pino netted with a stunning free kick in the 90th minute of the match but Macclesfield hung on in the nervy added time for a remarkable victory.
"I can't believe it, we never thought we would be in this position. We were incredible from the first minute. I thought we were deserved winners. I couldn't be any prouder of the lads," John Rooney told the BBC.
"I was surprised (with the win), the gaffer gave us a game plan and we all stuck to it, Macclesfield means the world to me. It's an immense achievement. I am proud of the boys and proud of the fans. It's a really big community club," said Dawson.
Sixth-tier Macclesfield are the first non-league club to eliminate the defending FA Cup champions since Crystal Palace knocked out Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1908-09 first round. Macclesfield footballers were also playing with heavy hearts after forward Ethan McLeod passed away in a car accident while travelling back from an away match last month.
Manchester City thrash Exeter City
Antonie Semenyo scored on his Manchester City debut as the Pep-Guardiola side hammered Exeter City 10-1, matching their biggest victory in the competition. Manchester City were in complete control from the start and effectively settled the contest before half-time.
This was City’s biggest victory under manager Pep Guardiola and their heaviest FA Cup win in decades, matching a 10-goal margin last seen in 1987. Guardiola watched the game from the stands due to a one-match touchline ban, with assistant Pep Lijnders overseeing the match proceedings.
In other matches, Newcastle United beat Bournemouth 7-6 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in extra time. Aston Villa defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1, while Chelsea thrashed Charlton 5-1. Fulham beat Middlesbrough 3-1, Brentford defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-1, and Burnley thrashed Millwall 5-1.
Wolverhampton Wanderers also thrashed Shrewsbury Town 6-1, while Sunderland beat Everton on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Stoke City edged Championship leaders Coventry City 1-0, Southampton defeated Doncaster Rovers 3-2, and Ipswich Town beat Blackpool 2-1.