The FA Cup’s fourth round delivered drama, giant-killings, stunning goals and nervy shootouts everything we love about the world’s oldest cup competition.
From Liverpool’s dominance to Mansfield’s fairytale moment, this weekend had it all. Here’s our Geeky Nigeria Team of the Week, celebrating the standout performers who lit up the round.
Table of Contents
🧤 Goalkeeper
Lucas Perri – Leeds United
Perri wasn’t entirely convincing from set pieces, but when it truly mattered, he delivered. The Brazilian shot stopper produced a superb fingertip save to push Jay Stansfield’s effort onto the woodwork and reacted sharply again to deny Demarai Gray with a low stop.
His defining contribution, however, came in the penalty shootout. Reading Tommy Doyle’s effort perfectly, Perri guessed the right way and made the crucial save that sent Leeds into the next round. Big players step up in big moments and he certainly did.
🛡️ Defenders
Curtis Jones – Liverpool FC (Right-back)
Liverpool’s makeshift right back continues to impress. Jones capped off a confident display by ending his long goal drought with the opener against Brighton. Defensively solid and composed in possession, he handled his duties with maturity beyond his years. On a night when the Reds were dominant, Jones stood out.
Konstantinos Mavropanos – West Ham United (Centre-back)
A commanding, captain’s performance. Mavropanos was a brick wall as West Ham edged past Burton Albion. He made an astonishing 19 clearances including one heroic goal-line intervention and won eight aerial duels. Since Nuno Espirito Santo’s arrival, the Greek defender looks revitalized, and this was leadership in its purest form.
Kyle Knoyle – Mansfield Town (Centre-back)
Cup magic needs heroes, and Knoyle was exactly that for Mansfield. He made a vital defensive clearance to keep Burnley at bay and later assisted the equalizer that sparked a famous comeback. A complete, high impact performance that will live long in Mansfield folklore.
Milos Kerkez – Liverpool FC (Left-back)
Kerkez seems to be growing into his Liverpool shirt with every appearance. Against Brighton, he was adventurous going forward and solid at the back. One fierce strike forced a fine save from Jason Steele before his perfectly weighted cross found Curtis Jones for the opener. Dynamic and decisive.
⚙️ Midfielders
Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United
Tonali has been waiting patiently for his breakthrough moment and he found it in spectacular fashion. Two goals against Aston Villa turned the game on its head, including a stunning strike fizzed into the far corner. In a chaotic contest filled with controversy, Tonali took responsibility and delivered.
Eberechi Eze – Arsenal FC
Just as murmurs began to surface about his form, Eze answered emphatically. In Arsenal’s 4–0 win, his creativity was the standout feature. A defense splitting assist for Noni Madueke opened the scoring, followed by another clever contribution for Gabriel Martinelli. It was a reminder of the flair and invention he brings to the Gunners.
Louis Reed – Mansfield Town
Reed is clearly relishing the FA Cup spotlight. His sensational free-kick sealed a 2–1 victory over Burnley his third goal of the competition. For a player with just one League One goal this season, the cup has provided the perfect stage to shine.
Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool FC
Mohamed Salah recently described Szoboszlai as one of the world’s best and on current form, it’s hard to argue. He was everywhere against Brighton, driving play forward with energy and intelligence. His thunderous finish for Liverpool’s second goal capped off another outstanding display in what has been a remarkable season.
⚡ Forwards
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool FC
This was vintage Salah. He cushioned a delightful assist for Szoboszlai before bulldozing his way through Brighton’s defence to win a penalty. Calm and clinical from the spot, he sealed a convincing 3–0 win. When Salah hits this level, Liverpool look unstoppable.
Pedro Neto – Chelsea FC
A hat-trick hero under the Friday night lights. Neto opened the scoring with a crisp effort from the edge of the area before watching his corner curl straight in for a fortunate second. He completed his first career hat-trick to secure Chelsea’s place in round five. Ruthless and clinical when it mattered most.
Final Thoughts
The FA Cup never disappoints. Established stars reminded us of their class, emerging talents seized their opportunities, and underdogs wrote their own chapters of history.
With Liverpool contributing four players to this XI, it was a weekend dominated by the Reds but Mansfield’s giant killing heroics and standout individual displays across the country made this round one to remember.
If this is just the fourth round, we can only imagine what drama awaits in the fifth.
Also Read: FA Cup Fourth Round Results: Mansflied Stun Burnley as Arsenal Demolish Wigan.
