FA Cup Drama: Bournemouth Edge Wolves in Shootout, City Survive Plymouth Scare, Welbeck Fires Brighton Past Newcastle, and Fulham Send United Packing

The FA Cup fifth round served up a series of thrilling, dramatic encounters that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From VAR controversies to red-card chaos and penalty shootout heartbreaks, it was a weekend full of twists and turns. Here’s a look at how the action unfolded across four unforgettable ties.

Bournemouth vs Wolves: VAR Drama and Red Card Madness

The fifth-round tie at the Vitality Stadium saw plenty of drama. Evanilson’s 30th-minute opener was followed by VAR controversy, as Milos Kerkez had a goal ruled out for offside after a seven-minute check, causing frustration among the fans. Wolves’ Cunha leveled with a stunning goal in the second half but was later sent off for violent conduct. After Matt Doherty’s missed penalty and Boubacar Traore’s shot hitting the crossbar, Luis Sinisterra sealed Bournemouth’s place in the last eight.

Manchester City vs Plymouth: City’s Comeback Victory

Plymouth shocked City by taking the lead through Maksym Talovierov’s header. However, teenager Nico O’Reilly struck twice, including a second-header, to put City ahead. Kevin De Bruyne added a third in the 90th minute, securing a 3-1 win for the Premier League giants and keeping their hopes for silverware alive.

Brighton vs Newcastle: VAR Drama and Welbeck’s Extra-Time Winner

Newcastle’s hopes were dashed in a dramatic tie with Brighton. After Anthony Gordon was sent off for violent conduct, Newcastle thought they had won when Fabian Schar scored in stoppage time, only for a VAR offside call to rule it out. The match went into extra time, and Danny Welbeck’s goal sent Brighton through to the quarter-finals after a chaotic and emotional encounter.

Fulham vs Manchester United: United’s Penalty Heartbreak

Fulham played better throughout but United came closest to winning in extra time, with 17-year-old Chido Obi denied by a brilliant Leno save. Bruno Fernandes’ 71st-minute equalizer forced extra time, and penalties followed. Despite converting their first three penalties, Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee’s efforts were saved, allowing Fulham to win 4-3 and progress to face Crystal Palace in the next round.

The drama didn’t end with the final whistle as these unforgettable moments have left fans buzzing, wondering what will come next in this year’s FA Cup. With the quarter-finals now set, the race for glory continues.