FA Cup Review, Quarter Finals – March 18th & 19th 2023 - Champions Travel Blog

FA Cup Review, Quarter Finals – March 18th & 19th 2023
FA Cup Review, Quarter Finals – March 18th & 19th 2023

 It was another incredible weekend of FA Cup action at the quarter final stage, with all four home sides progressing to reach the semi-finals at Wembley. In the absence of big names such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, the 2023 FA Cup is giving a platform for plenty of other sides to make a name for themselves on the biggest stage.

Inevitably, the two Manchester sides are keeping a sense of normality to proceedings, and they have both booked their respective places in the last 4. Brighton’s reward for what has been an incredible Premier League season has been exemplified by their run to the last 4 of the FA Cup, whilst Championship high-flyers Sheffield United have also booked their ticket to the ‘home of football’.

Here is a rundown of the 2023 FA Cup Quarter Final results:

Manchester City 6 – 0 Burnley

Premier League champions Manchester City have work to do in both the Champions League and the Premier League, but they made light work of Championship leaders Burnley.
Much of the narrative going into the game was the return to Manchester City for club legend Vincent Kompany, who has been making waves in charge of the Clarets in the Championship.

However, once Kompany had received his standing ovation by the City faithful, it was one-way traffic from there, with City inspired by the mercurial talents of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian took his goal tally in all competitions for the season to 42 inside 50 minutes, netting his 6th Manchester City hat-trick of a goal laden campaign.

The onslaught wasn’t finished there though, as Kevin de Bruyne provided two sublime assists for two smart Julian Alvarez finishes, with those sandwiched around Cole Palmer’s first goal for Manchester City this season.

All in all, it was a comfortable afternoon’s work for Manchester City who will take on Sheffield United in the semi-finals, as they chase their 3rd FA Cup title in 12 years.


 

Sheffield United 3 – 2 Blackburn Rovers

Two Championship sides who are chasing promotion to the Premier League were able to take their eyes off the ball, in a FA Cup classic at Bramall Lane, which saw the Blades come out on top.

Rovers started on the front foot and took the lead through Ben Brereton Diaz’s cool penalty, with an unfortunate Sam Gallagher own goal pulling United level before the break.

 In the second half, the contest seriously stepped up a notch, with Sammie Szmodics converting for Blackburn to give them the lead once more, with Oli McBurnie looking like he’d forced extra time with a late response.

However, Sheffield United were not done there, with Manchester City loanee Tommy Doyle lashing home from the edge of the penalty area in the 91st minute to seal a huge win for United, who will be looking forward to their big day out against Manchester City at Wembley next. 


 

Brighton & Hove Albion 5 – 0 Grimsby Town

Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion were feeling the weight of expectation ahead of their tie with League Two Grimsby Town but ultimately, the Seagulls were far too good on the day.

Grimsby got off to the worst possible start as their defence stood motionless as Deniz Undav converted from  close range inside 6 minutes and the writing was on the wall for the League Two side from there on in.

A brace from teenage striker Ewan Ferguson put Brighton firmly in control after half time, with Roberto de Zerbi able to rotate his squad ahead of some big Premier League fixtures after the international break.

Further strikes from Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma put the game beyond doubt for Brighton and they will take on Carabao Cup winners Manchester United in what should be an enthralling FA Cup semi-final clash.  


 

 Manchester United 3 – 1 Fulham

Manchester United have an imploding Fulham to thank for booking their passage into the last 4 of the FA Cup, as their pursuit of three cup competitions continues under Erik ten Hag this season.

United looked to be feeling the strain of competing in the Europa League in midweek in an uneventful and flat first half and when Aleksandar Mitrovic put Fulham in front early in the second half, Old Trafford certainly went a little quiet.

However, Willian’s handball on the line saw the Brazilian sent off and Manchester United awarded a penalty in the game’s defining moment. In the melee after the decision, Mitrovic used force to make his point to referee Chris Kavanagh, an ill-informed choice which also saw the Serb sent off and Fulham reduced to 9-men.

Fulham manager Marco Silva also saw red for his protests and once Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty, Fulham were beginning to self-destruct on a huge scale.

Goals from Marcel Sabitzer and another from Fernandes in the dying embers secured United’s passage to Wembley, where a dangerous Brighton & Hove Albion side await. 


 


2023 FA Cup Semi Final Fixtures:

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United
Manchester City vs Sheffield United
 




Author: ChampionsTravel
2023-03-23
Category:
FA Cup

Views: 628

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