Coral’s Heroes & Villains FA Cup third round Special!

It was a thrilling weekend of third round FA Cup action, with its fair share of heroes and villains, though not many major shocks. Credit has to go to Blythe Spartans though, for holding a 2-0 lead over Birmingham City at half time, before going on to lose 3-2 after conceding three goals in the space of six minutes. Chelsea, however are still 9/2 favourites with Coral to win the competition, after beating Watford 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Coral take a look at the heroes and villains from the third round of the FA Cup. Have a look and see how many you agree with.

Heroes

Peter Vincenti
Rochdale’s striker gave fans something to cheer with a well converted penalty, as the club beat Nottingham Forest one division above. The 28-year-old Jersey man held his nerve to finish coolly past visiting goalkeeper Dorus de Vries to give the hosts a 12th minute lead and worked hard all game.

Mick McCarthy
The Ipswich performance against Southampton seemed to mirror the personality of manager Mick McCarthy, who had clearly got his players riled. They defended doggedly, after Morgan Schneiderlin levelled after Darren Ambrose put the visitors ahead. Motivator McCarthy will now relish a replay at Portman Road against the Premier League side, where he can really test his managerial abilities.

Alexis Sanchez
Probably the player of the FA Cup third round. The Chilean was simply sensational for Arsenal who beat Hull City 2-0 at the Emirates. He contributed an assist early in the first half, before getting his reward midway through the second period, though his movement in general and constant probing was a thorn in the Tigers’ side throughout. Sanchez will be keen to add an FA Cup trophy to his Copa del Rey success with Barcelona.

Villains

Willy Caballero
The Manchester City goalkeeper really should have done better to keep out Sheffield Wednesday’s Atdhe Nuhiu, who gave the Owls an early lead at the Etihad. Manuel Pellegrini’s side eventually got the win courtesy of a brace from James Milner.

QPR
A shockingly lacklustre performance from Harry Redknapp’s side, who were humbled at home by Sheffield United, who recorded a 3-0 win to progress to the third round. The Hoops offered nothing in terms of resistance and Redknapp will be disappointed not to have made the draw.

John Ruddy
Not good enough from the Canaries England international goalkeeper who let two in from lower league striker Paul Gallagher, as Norwich were beaten by Preston North End at Deepdale.