Our FA Cup Team of the Week is in following an unforgettable weekend of third-round action, featuring names from Chelsea, Macclesfield and Bristol City.
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs – Sunderland
Roefs has been one of the signings of the Premier League season at Sunderland, with the young goalkeeper enhancing his reputation again this weekend. The Dutchman saved all three Everton penalties in his side’s shootout win to send Sunderland into round four.
Right-back: Rico Lewis – Manchester City
It was a fine afternoon for the Manchester City academy against Exeter City, with four homegrown talents on target in the club’s stunning 10-1 win.
Rico Lewis was a relative veteran in comparison to the other academy talent on show and led by example. Lewis scored twice from right-back and also wore the captain’s armband on a proud night.
Centre-back: Max Alleyne – Manchester City
Max Alleyne must have felt like he’s been in a whirlwind this week. Recalled from a loan spell at Watford amid Manchester City’s defensive issues, he’s been put straight into the team and impressed.
Alleyne opened the floodgates during the 10-1 win over Exeter with his first senior goal for the club. It capped a solid showing, in which the 19-year-old barely misplaced a pass (96.5%).
Centre-back: Sam Heathcote – Macclesfield
Any one of the Macclesfield squad could have featured in this XI, given the greatness of their upset win over Crystal Palace.
A special mention for Sam Heathcote, who was part of a side that defended resolutely. Heathcote, who was due to be released last summer before a change of heart from the club, made eight clearances and did not lose a single aerial duel (2/2).
Left-back: Jorell Hato – Chelsea
After a tough start at Chelsea, this could be a turning point for Jorell Hato. The 19-year-old produced his best game for Chelsea yet at Charlton, with excellent work at both ends of the pitch. His goal to open the floodgates at The Valley was a super strike.
Midfield: Paul Dawson – Macclesfield
At the centre of the biggest upset in FA Cup third-round history. Macclesfield became the first non-league team to eliminate the holders since 1909 this weekend, following a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
There were 117 places between the teams in the pyramid, but a captain’s performance from Dawson – and a perfect headed opener – helped Macc upset the odds.
Midfield: Louis Reed – Mansfield Town
Louis Reed came back to haunt his former team this weekend, as the Mansfield midfielder scored twice in his side’s win at Sheffield United.
Reed came through the ranks at Bramall Lane and marked his return to the venue with two outstanding goals. His dipping opener was arguably the goal of the third round.
Right-wing: Harvey Barnes – Newcastle
What a week it’s been for Harvey Barnes. Fresh from a double to down Leeds in midweek, including the latest winning goal ever scored in the Premier League, Barnes was at it again.
He scored another brace as Newcastle came out on top in a thriller against Bournemouth. After a 3-3 draw, he coolly converted from the spot in the shootout success.
Left-wing: Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons earlier this week, so this was perhaps a perfect performance to quieten that noise.
Martinelli scored his first-ever Arsenal hat-trick as the Gunners came from behind to beat Portsmouth 4-1 at Fratton Park. Two headed goals from set pieces underlined Arsenal’s threat from such situations.
Forward: Emil Riis Jakobsen – Bristol City
Emil Riis Jakobsen produced arguably the individual performance of the round as Bristol City conquered Championship rivals Watford in round three.
Jakobsen scored a stunning hat-trick and added an assist, as The Robins ran riot to run out 5-1 winners.
Forward: Jorgen Strand Larsen – Wolves
Rob Edwards has hinted that Jorgen Strand Larsen could be sold this month to fund a rebuild at Wolves.
If that’s the case, Wolves have resigned themselves to relegation. Strand Larsen represents their best chance of an unlikely climb out of trouble, with his hat-trick to sink Shrewsbury a reminder of his quality.
Read –Â FA Cup third-round Awards – Magic Macclesfield, Reed’s rasper
See more –Â Six of the biggest FA Cup third round upsets
