Trent Alexander-Arnold inspired Liverpool to a resounding 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round, while Chelsea dismantled Morecambe with a 5-0 triumph.
In a surprising turn, Brentford, a Premier League team, fell 1-0 to Championship bottom-dwellers Plymouth, courtesy of Morgan Whittaker’s decisive late goal. Despite significant lineup changes, Liverpool showed no signs of vulnerability at Anfield, with Alexander-Arnold, acting captain in Virgil van Dijk’s absence, leading from the front after recent criticisms of his performance against Manchester United.
Arne Slot had anticipated the challenge, likening Accrington Stanley’s visit to Anfield to their “Champions League final.” Despite their efforts, Stanley, 86 league places below Liverpool, managed to hold off for nearly half an hour. The deadlock was broken by Diogo Jota, who capitalized on a cross from Darwin Nunez. Alexander-Arnold then showcased his skill with a stunning strike from outside the penalty area to double Liverpool’s lead.
The goals that booked @OfficialBHAFC a spot in the #EmiratesFACup fourth round 🏆 pic.twitter.com/W9HHqrpZBi
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 11, 2025Jayden Danns added to the tally with his first season goal 14 minutes later. Federico Chiesa, hindered by injuries, seized his chance to score his first goal for Liverpool with a long-range effort. “It’s a positive step,” Slot remarked post-game, cautioning against overestimating the performance against a lower-league team.
Through to the fourth round of the FA Cup 💪 pic.twitter.com/pvebbZPoyY
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 10, 2025Joao Felix shone for Chelsea, stepping in effectively for Cole Palmer. Felix and Tosin Adarabioyo scored twice, and Christopher Nkunku rebounded from an early penalty miss to add his 13th season goal.
Fourth round bound 🏆@stokecity #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/9bgNp68YGs
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 11, 2025In other FA Cup matches, high-flying Nottingham Forest defeated Luton 2-0, and Brighton defeated Norwich 4-0. Bournemouth overcame early setbacks to defeat West Brom 5-1, and Leicester City outpaced QPR in a 6-2 thriller at the King Power Stadium.
