Sunderland, West Brom, Blackpool humbled in FA Cup

Written By DNA Web Team | Updated:

Notts County, Reading and Southampton provided the FA Cup surprises on Saturday as they took the Premier League scalps of Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool respectively in their third-round ties.

Notts County, Reading and Southampton provided the FA Cup surprises on Saturday as they took the Premier League scalps of Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool respectively in their third-round ties. 

Sunderland, who lost their first home league game of the season only last month, fielded a weakened team and were well beaten 2-1 by Notts County, who are struggling in League One (third division). 

Championship (second division) promotion-chasers Reading beat West Brom 1-0 to hand the Baggies their sixth successive defeat while League One Southampton beat Blackpool 2-0. 

Bolton Wanderers, seventh in the Premier League, needed two late goals to get past minor league York City while Everton, Fulham, Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa and Birmingham City also progressed to the fourth round.   

Arsenal face a replay at Leeds after Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to score a last-minute penalty and earn the 10-times winners a 1-1 home draw with the Championship side.

The tie of the round is on Sunday when Manchester United take on Liverpool, under the guidance of new manager Kenny Dalglish. 

Cup holders Chelsea are also playing on Sunday, against Championship (second division) Ipswich Town.