Brentford were eliminated, but the other Premier League clubs remained unscathed
The third round of the FA Cup featured some fascinating encounters across the football pyramid, but Saturday’s opening games were nothing but a major shock.
Premier League side Brentford were stunned by Championship relegated Plymouth, losing 1-0 at the Gtech Stadium.
Morgan Whittaker scored the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute, breaking hearts in west London but sending the south’s away team into a frenzy of celebration.
Brentford had 71% possession in the game but only managed 0.41 xG compared to their opponents’ 0.28 xG.
In the early kick-offs, Birmingham Lincoln, Wolves Bristol City, Blackburn Middlesbrough and Liverpool beat League Two side Accrington Stanley.
At 3pm, Leicester scored six goals against QPR and their Premier League rivals Bournemouth scored five goals against West Brom.
Chelsea quickly progressed to the next round, defeating Morecambe 5-0, with Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku both getting on the scoresheet.
We’re leaving the FA Cup. pic.twitter.com/gGtOtxkdfL
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 11, 2025
Exeter beat Oxford United and Brighton went to Norwich, scoring four goals without reply.
Nottingham Forest also continued their winning streak, beating Luton before Burnley beat Reading in extra time and Stoke eliminated Sunderland.
FA Cup third round results
Birmingham City 2-0 Lincoln City
Bristol City 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Middlesbrough 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley
Leicester City 6-2 Queens Park Rangers
Bournemouth 5-1 West Bromwich Albion
Brentford 0-1 Plymouth Argyle
Chelsea 5-0 Morecambe
Exeter City 3-1 Oxford United
Norwich City 0-4 Brighton and Hove Albion
Nottingham Forest 2-0 Luton Town
Reading 1-3 Burnley (AET)
Sunderland 1-2 Stoke City (AET)
