What a weekend we’ve got on our hands is the FA Cup! After Manchester United’s ridiculous Friday-night defeat at the hands of EFL Championship side Middlesbrough, two more Premier League sides’ credentials were questioned by two clubs from lower divisions.Chelsea needed an extra-time penalty save from Kepa to overcome third-tier opposition, but even their win was relatively straightforward compared to what West Ham have gone through.🤯 THE SCENES.😱THE LIMBS. 😮 @alexpennyy23 HAS SCORED FOR @khfcofficial 🦅#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/DTJhRAscQD— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 5, 2022 Kidderminster Harriers, a team from the National League North, the SIXTH tier of English football were on the brink of a famous victory over the Hammers but were undone by two killer-blows from Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen.Harriers were on the brink of what would be one of the biggest upsets in this competition over its 150-year history, but an added-time goal from Rice forced the additional 30 minutes. What a story! A Premier League club needed a late goal from an England international to avoid an embarrassing defeat at the 6,444-capacity Aggborough Stadium. It was like a scene from a movie. A team of amateurs making a squad of millionaires and proven internationals sweat, blush and puff their cheeks in agony.Rice. Rice. Baby 🥶Came for the goal 🤝 Stayed for the celebration 🕺@_DeclanRice #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/Tt1CuQrrX9— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 5, 2022 For the first 15 minutes, the hosts played like in a trance, obviously motivated by such a big opponent and after a defensive blunder from reserve players Areola and Diop, Penny scored for the Harriers. It was easily one of the most important goals in the club’s history.Coach David Moyes hauled shaky Diop and Alex Kral off at halftime and sent Craig Dawson and Declan Rice on to assume control of the game. And it paid off – albeit after a long wait.The Hammers were visibly better, but they were a goal short of overtime. Bowen had a good chance in the 60th minute, but keeper Simpson saved beautifully. The Hammers had another good one in the dying minutes of the match, but Benrahma’s shot was blocked by Cameron in the 87th minute. And then, in injury time, Rice came to the rescue and took the game into overtime.Fair play Kidderminster and all the fans out there today, fought the whole way and can walk away with their heads held high. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Next round we’re coming #COYI ⚒ pic.twitter.com/Dp1R5hQcLD— Michail Antonio (@Michailantonio) February 5, 2022 There was a West Ham goal disallowed in the extra time due to an offside decision, but the pressure from the Londoners kept coming until it finally broke through Kidderminster’s defensive wall as well as Harriers’ hearts. Jarrod Bowen tucked the ball in from close range after Andriy Yarmolenko’s shot’s been deflected. It was in the extra time added time! There was no coming back for the brave hosts. West Ham made it through the Fifth Round after an old-fashioned football thriller.It’s that man again! 🤩Jarrod Bowen wins it at the death for @WestHam! #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/43RYFHgnKH— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 5, 2022 Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, the Blues were also struggling to break down Plymouth Argyle over 90 minutes but did enough in the added time to sneak through. After a shocking Macauly Gillesphey opener gave the EFL League One team an early lead, Thomas Tuchel’s stars needed to stop messing around and actually start playing like one of Europe’s best teams. Cesar Azpilicueta levelled just before the break, but it was the best they could do over two 45-minute periods. Another game and another one that went to extra time!Marcos Alonso finishes calmly for @ChelseaFC 👏#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/3SoqKAZXcy— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 5, 2022 Marcos Alonso avoided an offside trap and slotted home to finally give Chelsea the long-overdue lead. You’d think that falling behind would finally break the Pilgrims’ spirit, but the brave visitors just kept going and earned a glorious chance to pull level. Kurt Zouma gave away a penalty. Ryan Hardie stepped up, but he fired a meek penalty that was saved easily by Kepa Arrizabalaga! The Blues have been let off the hook!🧤 @kepa_46 with a save from the spot!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/LGzpj7qqUy— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 5, 2022 It’s a great day for giant-killing in the FA Cup. But somehow, giants have been killed – and still, they survived!FA CUPFourth Round FridayManchester United – Middlesbrough 0-0 (1-0)/Sancho 25 – Crooks 64/Middlesbrough win 8-7 on penalties.SaturdayKidderminster Harriers – West Ham United 1-2 AET, 1-1 (1-0)/Penny 19 – Rice 90+1, Bowen 120+1/Chelsea – Plymouth Argyle 2-1 AET, 1-1 (1-1)/Azpilicueta 41, Alonso 105+1 – Gillesphey 8/Stoke City – Wigan AthleticWolverhampton Wanderers – Norwich CityManchester City – FulhamPeterborough – QPRSouthampton – Coventry CityCrystal Palace – Hartlepool UnitedHuddersfield – BarnsleyEverton – Brentford20.30: (3.50) Cambridge (3.45) Luton (2.10)23.00: (1.95) Tottenham (3.40) Brighton (4.10)Sunday15.00: (1.15) Liverpool (7.75) Cardiff (18.0)19.00: (4.10) Nott.Forest (3.50) Leicester (1.92)21.30: (1.28) Bournemouth (5.50) Boreham Wood (11.0)***odds are subject of change
