Following a weekend of memorable FA Cup third-round action, we look at five things we learned from the weekend games.
Maidstone show the magic of the cup is alive
Six months ago, Maidstone United were at a low ebb. The club’s return to the fifth tier had ended in immediate relegation, with George Elokobi unable to keep the club afloat. The former Wolves left-back has overseen a turnaround this campaign, however, with Maidstone pushing for promotion and on an unprecedented cup run.
After beating League Two high-flyers Barrow in one of the upsets of the second round, The Stones took another scalp after sending League Two promotion hopefuls Stevenage crashing out of the cup. Sam Corne’s first-half penalty was the difference at Gallagher Stadium to earn the lowest-ranked team in the FA Cup a place in the fourth round.
Scenes in the @maidstoneunited dressing room ????#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/XJifNLNgz4
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 6, 2024
Maidstone United have become the first National League South side to reach that stage in 16 years since Havant & Waterlooville earned a fourth-round crack at Liverpool in 2007/08. Maidstone will hope for a similar shot at one of England’s elite when the draw is made. The magic of the FA Cup, for clubs of this stature at the very least, is alive and kicking.
Broja must take Chelsea chance
Mauricio Pochettino was gushing in his praise of Armando Broja after the forward scored in Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Preston North End this weekend.
Nicolas Jackson’s departure to the Africa Cup of Nations and Christopher Nkunku’s absence through injury handed Broja a starting role, and the 22-year-old responded with an impressive outing.
Broja opened the floodgates with a superb header, before hitting the crossbar and having another effort cleared from the goal-line. The Albania international has missed plenty of football across the last 18 months through injury, with the striker unable to establish himself at Chelsea after promising loan spells at Vitesse and Southampton.
Broja rises ⬆️
Broja scores ✅A top header from the @ChelseaFC man#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/X0ZNFr9Yjj
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 6, 2024
Jackson’s exit for international commitments might just be the sliding doors moment Broja’s career at Chelsea needed. Pochettino has huge belief in Broja but insists the forward must ‘push himself’ to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
“It was really important for him,” Pochettino said on Broja’s goal, as per The Athletic.
“I need to be honest, he needs to use this type of game to score and to feel the net and to improve. Improve not only his fitness but his body language also. He needs to step up and go forward and to move. He needs to be more positive.
“The potential is amazing. We’re talking about one of the young strikers in England and in Europe with the most potential. But the problem now is he needs to push himself, and we’re going to try to help him to realise that never it is enough.
“He was nearly one year away (injured) and of course now he needs time. It’s not easy for him to perform and to be at the level we expect. Our expectation is massive and we really believe in him. We’re going to push him to improve every day.”
Joao Pedro – One of the signings of the season?
Roberto De Zerbi made a surprise admission after Brighton’s win at Stoke, revealing he ‘didn’t know’ about forward Joao Pedro before his summer switch to the Seagulls.
“The credit for João Pedro goes to the club. The recruitment department told me the name of Joao,” De Zerbi told BBC Sport.
“I didn’t know him before he came with us. He is improving but I would like him to start the game in the beginning not in the second half.”
De Zerbi’s comments came after Pedro scored twice in the second half to help Brighton into the fourth round, with the Brazilian showing brilliant desire to head home his first, before steering in a second. It’s now 15 goals for the season in all competitions for the 22-year-old, who has averaged a goal for Brighton every 105.6 minutes.
What a signing Joao Pedro has been for Brighton ???? pic.twitter.com/zrMwEKEDF7
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) January 6, 2024
Pedro earned a first senior cap for Brazil in November and appears in an ideal environment to continue his development. The caveat to Pedro’s impressive return is that eight of his goals this season have come from the spot, but an open-play double at Stoke showed he is capable of making a difference when chances arrive in all forms. Having already bettered his 11-goal total for Watford last season, the South American striker is showing real promise in Brighton blue.
De Bruyne’s return can be the catalyst behind City charge
Kevin de Bruyne made his return to the Manchester City side for the first time since August against Huddersfield, coming off the bench to a rapturous reception at the Etihad. It took just minutes for normal service to resume, as the Belgian midfielder teed up Jeremy Doku to record a customary assist.
“He will help us with his talent but I don’t want to put all the pressure on Kevin’s shoulders because it is not fair to him,” Guardiola said to the BBC on the 32-year-old’s return.
“Of course, he has a special ability and quality to do something that is difficult to find. We have guys in midfield who love to run. Kevin is exceptional. He is unique.”
30 – Kevin De Bruyne has the most assists of any player in Europe’s big five leagues in all competitions since the start of last season, despite making three appearances this season.
30 – De Bruyne
24 – Salah
22 – Vini Jr
22 – Saka
21 – GriezmannKing. pic.twitter.com/9ftlicR41z
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 7, 2024
City have not quite fired on all cylinders this season, but remain in contention to defend each of the titles won during their treble campaign last term. De Bruyne’s return has the potential to provide the Citizens with a lift, adding to a side which has shown glimpses of their cruise control best in recent weeks. With Phil Foden shining in a central role, it remains to be seen how Guardiola coaxes the best from both players in the same team. It’s hardly an unwanted headache.
Arsenal’s striker search should intensify
Arsenal’s poor recent results continued as the Gunners crashed out of cup competition, losing an engrossing FA Cup tie to Liverpool at the Emirates. A Jakub Kiwior own goal and Luis Diaz’s late strike sealed progress for Liverpool, after Arsenal had missed a glut of chances in the game.
Arsenal could conceivably have been three goals to the good inside the opening period of the game, as Reiss Nelson and Kai Havertz missed clear chances, and Martin Odegaard crashed an effort off the crossbar. It was a performance which echoed the recent defeat to West Ham, a dominant display for large periods, but punished by a team with a more clinical touch in the final third.
The North Londoners continue to be linked with signing a centre-forward this month and that search should intensify after this performance. A third consecutive defeat, and one win in seven, has highlighted the flaws in Mikel Arteta’s team.
1 – Arsenal have won one of their last seven games in all competitions, losing each of their last three; it’s their fewest wins over a seven-game period under Mikel Arteta. LDWDLLL. pic.twitter.com/qMJA0A7fmb
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 7, 2024
Ivan Toney is one name believed to be on the club’s shortlist, alongside the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhem. Each would command considerable funds from a team with FFP restraints, but the need for a centre-forward should see Arsenal’s recruitment team look to be creative.
Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah are perhaps the names with significant value who perhaps appear most disposable, with each sure to attract suitors if made available on the market.
At present, Arteta’s decision to spend £65m on signing Kai Havertz appears strange. The German has talent and has had his moments this season, but is neither the club’s Granit Xhaka replacement nor the answer at number nine. Those issues need addressing if Arsenal are to be a genuine challenger on all fronts
Read – FA Cup third round – Team of the Week
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