Records were broken, the unexpected stirred and games were breathless to keep up with it, the 2010 FA Cup is turning into one of the best of recent years, and 5th round weekend failed to disappoint those hardcore fans. Sure, there weren’t any giant-killing upsets, but the efforts of many were impressive, even if the scoreline went against them, even flattered the opposition.
Cup holders Chelsea remain firmly on course to successfully defend their trophy at Wembley on May 13th. Championship play-off contenders Cardiff City gave the Blues a run for their money in the first half, but crumbled in the second forty-five as Ancelotti’s side coasted into the quarter-finals with consummate ease. Didier Drogba has carried on the form he was showing before he left for Africa, Danny Sturridge continued his record of scoring in each round so far and with a side minus Petr Cech, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard, then the remaining sides must fear the men from the Kings Road.
West London rivals Fulham also made it through, with League Two side Notts County, recently bought for £1, putting up very little resistance against the Cottagers. Fulham are certainly dark horses for this competition, injuries are clearing up slowly and in Bobby Zamora, they have a striker in the form of his life. It might be too late for South Africa, but Fabio Capello must keep his eye on Zamora as an alternative to the bumbling Emile Heskey.
Heskey disappointed again at Crystal Palace, and so did his Aston Villa team-mates, as Neil Warnock’s side came within three minutes of causing a stunning upset at Selhurst Park. In a classic cup-tie, Palace took the lead twice; including a stunning free-kick from Newcastle reject Darren Ambrose, finally showing his true potential. It had to take a gutsy header from Villa captain Stilian Petrov to take the tie back to Villa Park. Martin O’Neill will know his young chargers were in a game and with the replay now due for four days before the Carling Cup final, it could be seen now to the boss as a major inconvenience.
Another cash-strapped club made it through into the last eight, as Portsmouth overcame a brave Southampton in the South Coast derby. Saints had their chances, but failed to take them and when Pompey got theirs, they showed their Premiership class, despite being rock-bottom of the division and fighting a battle to stay in business. A final scoreline of 4-1 did flatter them though, considering there were two goals in stoppage time as Alan Pardew’s League One side pressed for a leveller.
Reading’s Jimmy Kebe broke a record, for the quickest FA Cup goal ever. It took him just seven seconds to find the net against West Brom. However, Roberto di Matteo’s Baggies gritted out a 2-2 draw, despite being down to ten men and trailing twice. It is a missed opportunity for Reading, and they may well struggle now in the Hawthorns rematch.
Both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur earned unwelcome replays, as they battle it out for 4th place in the Premiership. City’s multi-millionaires looked weak and lacked passion on Saturday night, Stoke with the Rory Delap weapon fully deserving their second crack at the whip, despite a devastating medial ligament injury to Matthew Etherington. Tottenham outclassed Bolton in the second half of their encounter at the Reebok, but wasted chances again and Tom Huddlestone’s failure from the penalty spot highlighted this face well and truly. They will be disappointed not to get the job done, and need goals fast if their season doesn’t want to end up disintegrating.
Birmingham City also progressed. They worked hard for their narrow 2-1 win at Derby County. A last-minute winner from Liam Ridgewell was lucky, but sometimes, you need luck to progress and Alex McLeish’s side will fancy their chances now to bring silverware back to the Midlands.
With four replays required, the sixth round draw still is incomplete and messy, but the prospect of West Brom v Aston Villa, Fulham v Tottenham and Chelsea v Manchester City would whet anyone’s appetite. The FA Cup continues to provide its old romance and great stories, but the men from Stamford Bridge are looking increasingly tough to beat.
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