In an enthralling round of English football’s most cherished cup competition, the FA Cup 2025 Round 4 matches delivered drama, upsets, and memorable moments as 16 teams secured their place in the coveted last 16. With high stakes and unpredictable outcomes, fans across the country witnessed a blend of tactical brilliance and individual heroics that reaffirmed why the FA Cup remains one of the sport’s most beloved tournaments.
The night’s headline match featured Manchester City, who hosted a determined lower-league side at the Etihad Stadium. The defending champions set the pace early with slick passing and incisive movement. Erling Haaland broke the deadlock with a clinical finish after a well-timed assist from Kevin de Bruyne. Despite a resilient late surge from their opponents, City held on to a hard-fought 2–1 victory, reinforcing their status as serious title contenders.
Over at Anfield, Liverpool staged a comeback in a pulsating encounter against Everton. The Merseyside derby began with a thunderous free-kick from captain Jordan Henderson, giving the home side an early advantage. Everton managed to equalize midway through the second half, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. A moment of brilliance from Mohamed Salah in the dying minutes secured a thrilling 3–2 win, sending the Kop into rapturous celebration.
At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal impressed by dismantling Brighton in a dominant 3–0 display. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both found the net early on, leaving Brighton scrambling to regroup. Arsenal’s resolute defensive performance throughout the match ensured that their lead was never under threat, paving the way for a comfortable passage to the next round.
In a classic North West showdown, Manchester United narrowly edged Newcastle United 1–0 at Old Trafford. With both teams locked in a tense, end-to-end battle, a late strike from Marcus Rashford proved decisive. Manager Erik ten Hag lauded his team’s perseverance and tactical discipline, emphasizing that every point in the cup is vital as the tournament intensifies.
Chelsea continued their impressive cup run with a 2–0 win over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. Mason Mount opened the scoring early, and a perfectly executed header from Reece James later sealed the victory. Manager Mauricio Pochettino praised his squad’s resilience and adaptability, underlining the importance of every cup run in a season filled with challenges.
Tottenham Hotspur also made headlines with a 2–1 victory against Leicester City. Harry Kane’s heroics in the closing stages earned Spurs a well-deserved win in a match defined by tactical acumen and individual flair. Meanwhile, West Ham United advanced following a dramatic penalty shootout after their 1–1 draw with Crystal Palace, with their goalkeeper making crucial saves to tip the scales in extra time.
Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers overcame Brentford in a fiercely contested match, while Southampton and Leeds United each secured comfortable wins with solid performances that left little doubt about their intentions to challenge in the later stages of the competition. Nottingham Forest delivered a standout performance by overcoming Bournemouth in a tense encounter that stretched into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Similarly, Fulham’s extra-time winner against West Bromwich Albion clinched their spot in the last 16, sparking jubilation among their supporters.
Additional upsets came from the lower leagues, with Norwich City managing a hard-fought 3–2 win over Watford in extra time and Bristol City stunning their rivals with a 2–1 victory on home soil. Cardiff City and Swansea City also earned their places in the next round, with Cardiff’s late extra-time goal and Swansea’s stoppage-time winner completing the list of qualifiers.
The 16 teams advancing to the FA Cup last 16 are:
- Manchester City
- Millwall
- Ipswich Town
- Manchester United
- Bournemouth
- Prestone Noth End
- Burnley
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Newcastle
- Brighton
- Plymouth Argyle
- Fulham
- Norwich City
- Aston Villa
- Cardiff City
- Swansea City
With the stage set for another round of enthralling football, supporters eagerly await the next chapter in this storied competition—a tournament where every match is a battle for glory and every goal writes a new piece of history.
