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FA Cup Shocks: Five Premier League Clubs Eliminated

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 11:20 GMT by tntsports.co.uk

Friday, January 9th, 2026 - The Emirates FA Cup third round lived up to its reputation as the 'magic of the cup' unfolded in spectacular fashion today, with a stunning series of upsets that saw five Premier League clubs - Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Everton - all eliminated by lower-league opposition. The results sent shockwaves through the footballing world and served as a potent reminder that in the FA Cup, form is often fleeting and underdog spirit can triumph.

The day began with a statement of intent from Wolves, who dispatched Liverpool 2-1 at Molineux. Hwang Hee-Chan proved to be the hero for the Championship side, bagging a brace that condemned the Merseyside giants to an early exit. While Liverpool fielded a somewhat rotated squad, the defeat highlights a concerning lack of depth and potentially foreshadows a challenging season for Jurgen Klopp's men. The pressure is now firmly on to deliver in the Premier League and Champions League.

Manchester United's struggles deepened as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against League Two's Swindon Town. The Red Devils, perpetually under scrutiny, continue to demonstrate inconsistency despite significant investment. A late goal from Harry McKirdy sealed the fate of Erik ten Hag's side, raising serious questions about their tactical approach and ability to break down determined, organised opponents. United's fans are growing increasingly restless, and this result will only amplify the calls for change.

Arsenal, who have been in fine form in their pursuit of the Premier League title, were arguably the biggest casualties of the day, falling 2-0 to Portsmouth at Fratton Park. The League One side delivered a masterclass in defensive organization and clinical finishing, nullifying Arsenal's attacking threat and capitalizing on rare errors. This defeat is a significant blow to Mikel Arteta's hopes of a cup double and will force a serious reassessment of their squad depth, particularly in the face of a grueling fixture schedule.

Further north, Newcastle United, enjoying a stellar season in the Premier League, were undone by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. A late penalty, expertly converted by Josh Windass, proved to be the difference, sending the Championship side through and extinguishing Newcastle's cup ambitions. The Magpies, previously considered dark horses for multiple trophies, will now focus solely on maintaining their impressive league form and securing a Champions League spot.

Finally, completing the day of extraordinary upsets, Everton were toppled by Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground. Paul Mullin, the prolific National League striker, scored a brace, inspiring the Welsh side to a memorable victory. Wrexham's success is a testament to the ambition and investment of their Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, but also speaks volumes about the club's strong community support and the players' unwavering belief.

The Rise of the Underdog

The sheer volume of Premier League casualties this year is not simply down to luck. It signifies a narrowing of the gap between the top flight and the lower leagues. Championship and League One teams are becoming increasingly well-coached, fitter, and tactically astute. The financial disparities are still significant, but clever recruitment and focused training regimes are allowing these teams to consistently compete with their wealthier counterparts.

The FA Cup, with its unique blend of tradition and unpredictability, continues to provide a platform for these underdog stories to unfold. The results today prove that the 'magic of the cup' is very much alive and well, offering a refreshing contrast to the often-predictable nature of modern football. As the competition progresses, it will be fascinating to see if any other lower-league teams can replicate these stunning victories and make a deep run in the tournament.