FA Cup 3rd Round Rundown: United legend Mark Hughes fired after Stoke City’s shock defeat at Coventry

The FA Cup 3rd Round weekend is still one of the most romantic footballing weekends in the world and the results this time out managed to pour scorn over the claims that “the romance of the cup is dead”.

Coventry City, winners in 1987 and now in League 2, produced an unforgettable performance in beating Stoke City 2-1, a result which saw Mark Hughes sacked shortly after the final whistle.

Nottingham Forest, unable to ever win the FA Cup under Brian Clough despite all his league and European success, shocked current holders Arsenal with a surprise 4-2 win at the City Ground. Forest outplayed Arsenal in all areas leaving Arsene Wenger criticising his players in the post-match press conference.

AFC Wimbledon lay claim to the history of Wimbledon FC who famously beat Liverpool 1-0 at Wembley in 1988. The new club were back at the scene of their most famous day out on Sunday where they were beaten 3-0 by Tottenham Hotspur.

Joe Hart returned in goal for West Ham United at the club where made his professional debut, Shrewsbury Town. Unfortunately for Hart West Ham were unable to find a way past his former employers and the game ended 0-0, giving Shrewsbury a trip to the London Stadium.

Leeds United, former winners of the trophy on several occasions, were shocked by lowly Newport County 2-1.

Chelsea were unable to find a way past a well organised Norwich City side in a game that ended 0-0. Bournemouth looked like they were heading out, trailing League 1 leaders Wigan 2-0 with little time left. However, the Cherries fought back and claimed a 2-2 draw and will head north for the replay.

Aston Villa, once the side that had won the FA Cup the most times in history, lost 3-1 at home to Peterborough United. Former Premier League winners Blackburn Rovers, now in League 1, also lost at home to struggling Hull City. Huddersfield Town overcame a tricky tie away to Bolton Wanderers 2-1. In another shock, Championship side Brentford lost 1-0 at home to Notts County, who are going well in League 2 this season.

Alan Pardew finally tasted victory for West Bromwich Albion, seeing off Exeter City 2-0 away from home. Southampton beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage in a game that saw the Southampton fans start to turn on their manager Mauricio Pellegrino for the first time.

Burnley briefly looked like they could be the first team to beat Manchester City in 90 minutes domestically this season, but they lead was soon turned into a 4-1 defeat. Newcastle United overcame a spirited performance by League 2 leaders Luton Town, beating them 3-1.

Watford turned their form on its head by beating League Cup semi-finalists Bristol City 3-0 and Swansea City drew with Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0.

Jamie Vardy was unable to make a playing return to Fleetwood Town as they held Leicester City to a 0-0 draw. The Merseyside Derby ended in a 2-1 win for Liverpool, the winning goal being scored by their £75m defender Virgil van Dijk on his debut. Manchester United saw off Derby County with two late goals.