FA Cup

Huge giant-killing upset and massive score headline FA Cup Saturday action

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday May 20, 2025.

The third round of the FA Cup delivered one of the most dramatic Saturdays in the competition’s recent history with a famous giant-killing win and a huge scoreline for Manchester City.

The day’s biggest headline came when sixth-tier Macclesfield produced a stunning upset by knocking out holders Crystal Palace 2–1 at Moss Rose.

Captain Paul Dawson headed home from a Luke Duffy free-kick shortly before half-time, and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead early in the second period, before Palace’s Yéremy Pino pulled one back late in the game.

It was widely described as one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history, with Macclesfield becoming the first non-league side to beat the reigning champions in over a century.

At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City delivered a remarkable attacking display with a 10–1 victory over League One Exeter City.

Max Alleyne opened the scoring before Rodri, debutant Antoine Semenyo, Rico Lewis and others got on the scoresheet, including two own goals for Exeter. The win matched City’s record FA Cup margin and underlined their attacking depth.

Elsewhere, drama unfolded at St James’ Park as Newcastle United and Bournemouth played out an extraordinary 3–3 draw that went to penalties. After a thrilling tie, Newcastle prevailed 7–6 in the shoot-out, with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale making the decisive saves to send his side through.

Aston Villa claimed a notable 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in North London, deepening Spurs’ cup frustrations, while Chelsea began the Liam Rosenior era in emphatic style with a 5–1 win away at Charlton Athletic.

Fulham advanced with a solid 3–1 win over Middlesbrough, while Brentford secured a 2–0 triumph at Sheffield Wednesday to book their place in the fourth round. Wolverhampton Wanderers were equally convincing, dominating Shrewsbury Town 6–1, and Burnley eased past Millwall 5–1.

In one of the tightest contests of the day, Everton and Sunderland finished level at 1–1 after extra time before Sunderland advanced via a 3–0 penalty shoot-out win. Enzo Le Fée had given the visitors the lead, with James Garner equalising late on for Everton.