FA Cup quarter-final roundup

The 2021/22 FA Cup quarter-final matchups played out over the weekend.

Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest were the only two none-Premier League sides left in the competition at this stage, but both still likely fancied their chances after knocking out two top Premier League sides apiece in previous rounds.

In the end though, Premier League quality shone threw and we are now set for an all PL semi-final and final after Chelsea beat Boro, Liverpool saw off Forest, Manchester City earned a win over Southampton and Crystal Palace battered Everton.

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Upset of the round: Crystal Palace 4-Everton 0

With just the four games taking place in this round, there was not too much room for a major upset.

Nottingham Forest did come fairly close to causing one after holding out against a weak Liverpool side for much of the 90 minutes before eventually losing to a late Diogo Jota goal.

In the end, though, the only real upset of the quarter-finals came when Crystal Palace smashed Everton 4-0.

Palace have been the better side this campaign, but few likely expected Everton to be so upstaged.

Game of the quarter-final: Southampton 1-Manchester City 4

Southampton have been one of Manchester City’s bogey teams in 2021/22, earning draws in the two Premier League meetings between the pair this season.

And Sunday’s meeting once again proved a tough test for Man City. The Sky Blues would take the lead in the game thanks to a mistake from Jack Stephens, but the home side continued to press high up the pitch and cause the Manchester outfit issues.

This would eventually lead to an Aymeric Laporte own goal, brought about by some hesitant goalkeeping from Zack Steffen.

In the end, Manchester City’s quality and smart substitutions proved too much for the Saints, but it was still a lively game that threatened to see Southampton cause a major upset.

Tweet of the round

As already mentioned, Crystal Palace put four past Everton in their quarter-final meeting, booking their spot in the semis against London rivals, Chelsea.

This is the first time Palace have been in an FA Cup final since all the way back in 1995, and you can see what it means to the club below:

Goal of the round

Manchester City’s third goal of the day vs Southampton came from Phil Foden and it was an excellent hit.

The Englishman latched onto a loose ball before smashing in an effort from the edge of the box:

Semi-final tie to watch:  Manchester City vs Liverpool

Whilst Crystal Palace are expected to give it their all vs Chelsea, the semi-final tie to watch is obviously Manchester City vs Liverpool.

The pair have dominated the English game for several years now and with the 2021/22 title race also being contested between them, it should give their semi-final meeting that little bit more edge.

What the odds say

For all the latest FA Cup odds, check out this link.

Despite drawing Liverpool in the semis, Manchester City remain the current favourites at 6/4, with Liverpool not far behind at 2/1.

Chelsea are then priced at 9/4, with Palace clear outsiders at 12/1.

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