Our FA Cup Awards highlight the best and worst from the weekend’s third round, featuring Macclesfield, Manchester City, and Louis Reed.
Moment of the Week
The biggest story comes from Moss Rose, where non-league Macclesfield knocked out holders Crystal Palace in a dramatic upset.
Just four-and-a-half years ago, Macclesfield started in the ninth tier. Now, they’ve advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after defeating the reigning champions. This marks the first time since 1909 that a non-league team has eliminated the holders.
The FA Cup third round, something Macclesfield used to know 😂 pic.twitter.com/VnPtwmabqV
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 10, 2026
This win serves as a tribute to Ethan McLeod, the club’s forward who sadly passed away in a car accident last month at 21. McLeod’s parents were present to witness the victory and celebrated with the team afterward.
Kudos to John Rooney and his players. This is what the magic of the FA Cup is all about.
Player of the Week
Bristol City secured their spot in the fourth round with a 5-1 win over Championship rivals Watford. Despite being four places lower in the league standings, Bristol City showcased a dominant performance.
Emil Riis was exceptional, scoring three goals and providing an assist. He opened the scoring with his first touch, then assisted Anis Mehmeti for the second.
🇩🇰 Bristol City‘s 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤-𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨: Emil Riis Jakobsen (27)! He practically single-handedly secured the FA Cup round 3 win against Watford:
○ 83‘ min
○ 3 goals
○ 1 assist
○ 8 touches in opp box
○ 3/7 total duels wonPerfect performance. ✨ pic.twitter.com/xFgJjsEPsj
— danishballers (@danishballersx) January 10, 2026
He completed his perfect display with two goals after halftime.
Goal of the Week
Mansfield advanced to the fourth round for the first time since 2008 by defeating Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The standout performer was Louis Reed, who scored twice against his old team.
Reed’s first goal was a fantastic effort, looping a shot into the far corner.
What a goal from @mansfieldtownfc‘s Louis Reed 🚀
📺 Watch live on @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/SeUdd1QY0U
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 11, 2026
Stat of the Week
Manchester City had a perfect performance against Exeter, scoring ten goals.
10 – Manchester City are the first English top-flight side to score 10+ goals in a match in any competition since Liverpool beat Fulham 10-0 in the League Cup in September 1986, and first to do so in the FA Cup since Tottenham Hotspur beat Crewe 13-2 in February 1960. Rampage. pic.twitter.com/V5Wd5qBs2Q
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 10, 2026
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, things aren’t looking good.
Man Utd have been eliminated from both cup competitions at the first hurdle for the first time since 1981-82 ❌ pic.twitter.com/hqwqSHaoHr
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 11, 2026
A Week to Forget for…
David Moyes. The Everton manager faced disappointment as his team missed every penalty in a shootout loss to Sunderland.
Everton’s 31-year wait for a major trophy continues, leading to increasing dissatisfaction among fans.
0 – Everton are only the second top-flight side to lose an FA Cup penalty shootout without scoring any of their penalties in that shootout, after Blackburn against Sunderland in February 2003. Tame. pic.twitter.com/NydB5RcC2R
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 10, 2026
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