Nottingham Forest stunned one of the world’s wealthiest clubs by knocking Manchester City out of the FA Cup with a 3-0 third round win.
Nottingham Forest stunned one of the world’s wealthiest clubs by knocking Manchester City out of the FA Cup with a 3-0 third round win in front of the Premier League club’s own fans. Southend too shocked one of soccer’s cash-rich teams in Chelsea by grabbing an injury-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw away to the Premier League’s second-placed side.
Third-tier Hartlepool ensured the third round stage living up to its reputation for upsets with a 2-0 win over Premier League Stoke City. FA Cup holders Portsmouth were held to a goalless draw at home to Bristol City while Premier League basement side West Brom could only manage a 1-1 draw with League One Peterborough. Arsenal saw off Plymouth 3-1, with Robin van Persie scoring twice, while Premier League leaders Liverpool, in captain Steven Gerrard’s first match since being charged with assault, won 2-0 away to Preston.
At Eastlands on Saturday, Nottingham Forest, former European champions but now struggling in the second tier, struck twice before half-time to pile pressure on City boss Mark Hughes, who was without injured Brazilian superstar Robinho.
Nathan Tyson’s shot from outside the box put Forest ahead before Wales striker Robert Earnshaw scored to make it 2-0. Forest’s victory was completed 15 minutes from time when Joe Garner seized on a poor City throw-in to lash the ball past Joe Hart.
“When we play well and everyone shows the same desire, we are a good team,” said Hughes. “But when we’re off the pace then we’re not. We need more players,” added Hughes, making it clear he wanted to spend during the January transfer window. Forest caretaker manager John Pemberton, who gives way to Billy Davies on Monday said, “This is one of the highlights of my career.”
Third tier Southend held out for over half an hour at Stamford Bridge, before falling behind when Salomon Kalou headed in a Frank Lampard corner. However, they levelled in the 90th minute as Peter Clarke marked his 27th birthday with a goal.
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