In the third round of the FA Cup the striker who just arrived from Lazio saved West Ham, while the Italian’s first goal of the season launched Leeds’ comeback against Derby County. Arsenal ok, Martinelli hat-trick
Collectors of disappointments. Manchester United adds elimination in the third round of the FA Cup at the hands of Brighton, who deservedly passes 2-1 at Old Trafford, to the long list of matches to forget in 2025-26 (here is our podcast on the exemptions of Amorim and Maresca). It is the first time since 2014 that the Red Devils have been immediately eliminated from the competition they have won 13 times. With Darren Fletcher still interim coach on the bench (Solskjaer remains favorite for the role of ferryman until the end of the season, but a decision will only be made in the next few days), with Alex Ferguson watching from the stands sitting next to Paul Scholes, a painful reminder of that glorious past that no longer exists at Old Trafford, United concede a goal in each half, in the 12th minute from Gruda and in the 64th minute from the former Welbeck, and despite keeping possession of the ball for a long time they play with little spirit and little inventiveness. Not even the relaunch of Kobbie Mainoo, on the pitch for the first hour and then replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, was enough to prevent the Red Devils from going bankrupt. Sesko’s 2-1, in the 85th minute, came too late to change things. And the late red card for 18-year-old Shane Lacey, a product of the Academy applauded by the fans, adds another disappointment. Brighton, with Diego Coppola on the pitch from the start, deservedly made their debut in the FA Cup for the sixth consecutive season: they were more cynical, they created the best chances, taking advantage of Welbeck’s experience and the inspired Gruda. Hürzeler’s team are now unbeaten in four matches in all competitions
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It was hat-trick day for Arsenal in their 4-1 win at Portsmouth. Gabriel Martinelli took home the ball of the match with his first hat-trick as a professional, one which with 9 goals makes him the best scorer of the season for Arteta’s team. The Gunners also achieved a hat-trick with goals from corners, two of the three from Martinelli and the own goal which brought the equalizer after Portsmouth’s initial lead. Arsenal continue to be the best team in the Premier League at set pieces.
the prime minister
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Very heavy first goal in West Ham for Taty Castellanosjust signed by Lazio: the 27-year-old Argentine scored the 2-1 goal halfway through the first extra half which allowed the Hammers to avoid the shame of QPR, the Championship team, and celebrate their passage to the 4th round. Leeds also thanks a first time of the season: that of Willy Gnontowithout a goal since May but scored at the start of the second half to start the comeback against Derby County. Leeds finished 3-1 against the Championship team and went through the first round of the cup for the 4th year in a row.
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Tomorrow the grand finale of the FA Cup long weekend with Liverpool-Barnsleyteam in 17th place in League One, at 8.45pm. The Reds have announced that Conor Bradley will miss the rest of the season (including Northern Ireland’s World Cup playoff against Italy) with a significant knee injury. Before the Anfield match will also be held the draw for the 4th round, scheduled for the weekend of February 15th.
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