Weekend round-up: Rochdale hold Tottenham and bag Wembley trip
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The fifth round of the FA Cup took centre stage this weekend, and it seems the magic of the famous tournament is well and truly alive.
Several teams secured their place in the quarter-finals, including Manchester United and Chelsea.
Brighton & Hove Albion, Leicester City and Southampton are also through, but it was Sunday afternoon’s encounter between Rochdale and Tottenham Hotspur which stole the show.
Here’s your round-up of the major talking points…
Spurs stunned by roaring Rochdale
Having needed a replay to see off Newport County, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino would have been keen to avoid a repeat against Rochdale.
But the League One side produced a sensational display, and deservedly led at the interval.
Spurs responded in the second-half, and thought they’d won it when Harry Kane slotted home a late penalty.
Again they failed to see off lower league opposition, however. Steve Davies’ excellent finish deep into stoppage time sent Spotland into raptures – and booked Dale a trip to Wembley.
For Spurs, it will be another game they don’t need as they juggle the Champions League and a push for the top four in the Premier League.
Business as usual for Chelsea and Man United
With Liverpool and Arsenal already out, and Spurs struggling, Chelsea and Man United have cruised into the last eight.
Willian inspired the Blues to a 4-0 win at home to Hull City on Friday night, while a Romelu Lukaku brace saw Jose Mourinho’s men defeat Huddersfield Town 2-0.
Chelsea will head to Leicester in the last-eight, while United will host Brighton.
Cup runs offer Prem strugglers reprieve
They may be staving off relegation, but both Brighton and Southampton are in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Seagulls saw off Coventry City 3-1, while Saints downed West Bromwich Albion 2-1.
There’s always the risk that a cup run can detract from focus on league duties, but so far Brighton and Southampton are reaping the rewards.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
