FA Cup Debrief: Port Vale shock Sunderland and Wrexham almost get a Hollywood ending

8 Mar 2026 · 39 min · 22 chapters

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Football Daily Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title

FA Cup Debrief: Port Vale shock Sunderland and Wrexham almost get a Hollywood ending

Hosts

  • Aaron Paul
  • Guests:
  • Andy Cole (Two-time FA Cup Winner)
  • Luke Edwards (The Telegraph's Northern Football Writer)

Episode Overview

This episode provides a comprehensive review of the FA Cup fifth round matches, highlighting significant upsets and performances from lower league teams against Premier League opposition. The discussion focuses on Port Vale's surprising victory over Sunderland, Wrexham's near-upset against Chelsea, as well as other notable matches from the weekend.

Key Segments and Time Codes

0:52 - Port Vale's Historic Win

  • Port Vale beats Sunderland 1-0, advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
  • Match winner Ben Wayne reflects on the emotional significance of the victory for his family and the club.

6:36 - Sunderland's Underestimation

  • Discussion on whether Sunderland underestimated Port Vale.
  • Luke Edwards argues Sunderland lost composure after going behind, leading to their defeat.

11:16 - Chelsea vs. Wrexham

  • Chelsea needs extra time to defeat Wrexham 3-2.
  • Discussion on key moments including a disallowed goal for Wrexham due to VAR and a red card for George Dobson.

15:45 - Phil Parkinson's Reaction

  • Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson praises his team's performance against Chelsea.
  • Highlights the potential for Wrexham to achieve promotion in the league.

21:58 - Mansfield vs. Arsenal

  • Mansfield gives Arsenal a tough game, equalizing before Arsenal secures a late win.
  • Notable performances from both teams highlighted.

27:39 - Southampton Knocks Out Fulham

  • Southampton defeats Fulham 1-0 with a late penalty.
  • Discussion on Fulham's inconsistent form and managerial issues.

32:43 - Manchester City vs. Newcastle

  • Pep Guardiola makes 10 changes, but Manchester City dominates Newcastle, winning comfortably.
  • Insights into Newcastle's struggle and the challenges of competing at the top level.

Key Themes and Concepts

  • FA Cup Magic: The episode emphasizes the essence of the FA Cup by showcasing the romance and unpredictability it brings to football. Port Vale's triumph serves as a classic example of the underdog succeeding against a higher-ranked team.
  • VAR Controversies: The discussions reflecting on VAR's impact on the matches, particularly concerning disallowed goals, echo ongoing debates within football regarding technology's role and effectiveness in officiating.
  • Managerial Challenges: Insights into managerial decisions, particularly for clubs like Fulham and Newcastle, highlight the pressures and expectations faced by managers in competitive environments.

Quotes

  • Andy Cole on the FA Cup: "The FA Cup for me is one of the most special cup competitions you can ever play in."
  • Luke Edwards on Sunderland: "They made that classic FA Cup mistake... they turned up thinking they were going to win."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the impact of the FA Cup on clubs and fans, emphasizing the competition's unique ability to create memorable stories and moments in football history.

Next Episode Preview

The hosts tease upcoming matches and anticipate the excitement surrounding future FA Cup draws and fixtures, encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the competition.

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For further engagement, listeners are invited to participate via social media, sharing their thoughts and experiences regarding the FA Cup.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Port Vale's Historic Victory

1:40 to 2:05

Discussion about Port Vale's surprise win over Sunderland.

“I mean, I've seen plenty of VFL goals today, plus the FA Cup shocks.”

Match Winner's Reflection

2:05 to 2:56

Ben Wayne reflects on his goal and the match's significance.

“It's the first time Vale have made the last eight of the FA Cup since way back in 1954.”

The Magic of the FA Cup

2:56 to 3:41

Exploring the charm and surprises of the FA Cup.

“And I just want to ask one quickly about John Brady, because obviously he's fairly new into the club.”

Analyzing the Match Dynamics

3:41 to 6:12

Discussion on the match conditions and Port Vale's performance.

“What a season it's been in the greatest cup competition in the world.”

Sunderland's Struggles Examined

6:12 to 8:30

Examining Sunderland's approach and performance in the match.

“The scene's at the end and that will be remembered for decades at Port Vale and that is why this competition is so special and I was really, really impressed with them.”

Port Vale's Journey and Management

8:30 to 10:54

Insights on Port Vale's struggles and manager John Brady's impact.

“and like I keep saying, that for me is the FA Cup.”

Sunderland's Season Outlook

10:54 to 11:41

Discussion on Sunderland's performance and expectations for the end of the season.

“and they will go down in Port Vale history and that is what's so special to me about the FA Cup still.”

Chelsea vs Wrexham Recap

11:41 to 12:49

Recap of the Chelsea and Wrexham FA Cup match and its highlights.

“I think so far, I think they've done it extremely well.”

VAR Controversies Discussed

12:49 to 14:02

Debate over VAR decisions during the Chelsea vs. Wrexham match.

“Luis Bront's goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR check.”

Wrexham vs Chelsea: A Dramatic Cup Tie

14:02 to 16:46

Discuss the thrilling FA Cup match between Wrexham and Chelsea, including key moments and decisions.

“at times this season and their decision-making.”
Show all 22 chapters

Wrexham's Journey and Future Prospects

16:46 to 19:10

Explore Wrexham's recent performances and their potential for promotion, highlighting their manager's success.

“We have gone toe-to-toe with a really good team and we really did.”

Chelsea's Current State and Upcoming Challenges

19:10 to 21:30

Analyze Chelsea's performance and the challenges they face in upcoming matches against top teams.

“who's got great history in sacking managers when they're doing particularly well or seem to be getting the train back on the tracks.”

Arsenal's Performance in the FA Cup

21:30 to 24:37

Review Arsenal's FA Cup match against Mansfield Town and discuss their tactical approach and future matches.

“They'll be smelling the croque monsieur.”

The Role of Managers vs. Head Coaches

24:37 to 26:58

Debate the distinctions between managers and head coaches in football, focusing on Mikel Arteta's approach at Arsenal.

“Mate, I've got nothing wrong with their set-piece football.”

FA Cup Trivia and Team History

28:35 to 29:20

Discussion on League One teams that have won the FA Cup.

“On the Football Daily Podcast, The Debrief with Aaron Paul.”

Fulham vs Southampton Match Review

29:20 to 30:28

Analysis of Southampton's surprising win over Fulham.

“yeah Barnsley won it in 19-12 oh wow and Cardiff City 19-27 wow let's push on and talk Fulham Southampton Ross Stewart's injury time penalty was enough for Championship side Southampton to knock out Premier League.”

Fulham's Season Challenges

30:28 to 32:52

Examination of Fulham's performance and managerial decisions this season.

“Fulham are coming to a bit of a crossroads with Marco Silva aren't they?”

Southampton's Victory Context

32:52 to 34:14

Context and reactions to Southampton's FA Cup win against Fulham.

“If you go back to summer, David Moyes was annoyed.”

Manchester City's Dominance

34:14 to 36:20

Discussion on Manchester City's recent performance against Newcastle and their overall capability.

“It certainly is a disappointing one for Fulham.”

Newcastle's Struggles This Season

36:20 to 37:56

Insights into Newcastle's difficulties in managing their success this season.

“And I think, I know we're talking about one game being a microcosm, but it wasn't just one game.”

Newcastle's Long-Term Aspirations

37:56 to 39:09

A look into Newcastle's ambitions and the challenges they face in closing the gap with elite clubs.

“If you look at that performance yesterday to the performance midweek against if not on Forest.”

FA Cup Roundup and Future Matches

39:09 to 40:08

Overview of FA Cup results and upcoming fixtures.

“They've done really, really well for four years and I think this season is just that moment where it's kind of all cut up with them.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00Andy Cole:This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

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0:46Luke Edwards:We focus on the part of the internet that most people don't know about. It's called the dark web. Undercover in the furthest corners of the dark web, US special agents are on a mission to locate and rescue children from abuse. Move in now. From the BBC World Service, World of Secrets, the darkest web follows their shocking investigations. Listen on bbc.com or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

1:18Andy Cole:On the Football Daily Podcast, The Debrief with Aaron Paul.

1:25Aaron Paul:Hello and welcome to the FA Cup debrief. Joining me to dissect all of the action from an exhilarating fifth round. The Telegraph's Northern football writer, Luke Edwards, and two-time FA Cup winner, Andy Cole. Gentlemen, how are we?

1:40Andy Cole:All good, thank you very much. Solid six out of ten, Aaron. Solid six.

1:45Aaron Paul:I mean, I've seen plenty of VFL goals today, plus the FA Cup shocks. I'm happy. Although, just for warning for anyone, we are recording this from Queen's Park Rangers' Loftus Road ground. And so the mowers are out on the pitch, just in case anyone hears any excess noise. Let's get straight to the big headline, though, of this round. Port Vale have provided the cup shot the neutrals were after by beating Sunderland by a goal to nil at Vale Park. It's the first time Vale have made the last eight of the FA Cup since way back in 1954. Let's hear from match winner and Newcastle United to boards of Benway.

2:22Luke Edwards:It doesn't get much better than that, but for me it was even more special because I know mum and dad would have been up at 2.30am or whatever watching from bed so that one was for them and yeah, I'm just amazing for the family. What comes next for Portville? Obviously we've got the draw tomorrow. Dare I ask who you would like to get? There's a lot of big hitters still in the competition. I know. Honestly, I don't mind. It was going to be Newcastle, but I've said it a few times. I watched last night, so I know that's not possible anymore. So whoever it is, yeah, and hopefully it's back here on this pitch, yeah.

2:56Luke Edwards:And I just want to ask one quickly about John Brady, because obviously he's fairly new into the club. I mean, this is an extraordinary achievement for him as well. What's it been like since he's come in and taken over? Yeah, I mean, I can only imagine what it was like for him to come into our situation, but he's definitely done his best to try and pick us up and to get us playing a simple style of football that everyone's on board with. And I think not only in the cup here, but you can see in the league as well over the last couple of weeks, everyone's fighting for each other. And I think that's the bare minimum we have to ask for.

3:27Luke Edwards:And it gives us a bloody good chance of going up the other end like we've done the last two games and score a goal.

3:33Aaron Paul:Ben Wayne talking to Five Lives, Chris Sykes. And we love an FA Cup upset. And that is the upset of all upsets, isn't it? What a season it's been in the greatest cup competition in the world. It certainly has, but is that not why we love the FA Cup?

3:49Luke Edwards:I remember watching, obviously, when I was a kid and then always wanting to play in the FA Cup and then always wanting to get to the final. Like I said, watching it was, you know, you're watching everyone at the hotel, getting on their suits, getting on the coach, walking up Wembley ways. The FA Cup for me is one of the most special cup competitions you can ever play in.

4:11Andy Cole:Did you root for the underdog, Andy?

4:14Luke Edwards:When I was playing against the underdog, no.

4:15Andy Cole:No, not playing when you were little, when you were this wide-eyed, fresh-faced young man. Did you root for the underdog?

4:23Luke Edwards:Yeah, because that's the romance of the cup. I would be lucky, you know. You always want the underdog to do well. Nine times out of ten, it doesn't happen. But when it does happen, you know, like I said, that's what brings the essence of the FA Cup for me.

4:38Aaron Paul:I mean, let's talk about the game itself, Luke. Port Vale only got into the fifth round of the competition this week after beating Bristol City again via a Ben Wayne goal on Tuesday. The pitch wasn't great. The weather was a bit grim. You know what? It all feels like it worked in their favour.

4:56Andy Cole:Nothing wrong with the pitch, Aaron. Absolutely nothing wrong. It was a bit muddy. It was a bit bobbly. It wasn't a snooker table like these pampered Premier League stars are used to playing in. and Sunderland didn't cope with it very well and Port Vale did and I thought they were well worth their victory. I mean, they got the goal, the work ethic of the team, how they dug in, how they defended their own goal in the second half. They nullified Sunderland. Sunderland made that classic FA Cup mistake as Andy's just alluded to there. They turned up thinking they were going to win. They've had a fantastic season and then when they went behind, they lost it.

5:33Andy Cole:They lost their patterns of play. They lost their composure. they tried to move through the gears and couldn't do it and you wait Aaron like me you're a lower league football fan you know that you wait generations from moments like this Port Vale have had a miserable league season I think they've won six games in the league all season those football fans would have turned up to watch their team play dreading it at times this season it would have been miserable they're enduring going to watch them so little joy and then out of nowhere there's this bolt of lightning of magic that happens and the FA Cup brings us where they've turned up today.

6:08Andy Cole:They've thoroughly deserved their win over Sunderland. They've knocked a Premier League team out. The scene's at the end and that will be remembered for decades at Port Vale and that is why this competition is so special and I was really, really impressed with them. And a word to John Brady, the manager, he's an Australian manager who's come in. There's been improvements at Port Vale. They have picked up in the league but the way he spoke afterwards about bringing the players together, the team bonding exercises they've been on are just wonderful. And then Ben Wayne, a New Zealand Newcastle United fan, but he's just scored the goal that knocked Sunderland out of the FA Cup.

6:45Andy Cole:So the storylines, there's so many of them. Just a wonderful, magical day for Port Vale. Yeah, I'll re-look it.

6:52Luke Edwards:I don't think any team like Premier League team turns out think they're going to turn anybody over. Some days you have days like that. That's what you talk about. That's the cup. you know earlier on the round before it was Macclesfield beating Palace you know that is football and like I said that's what the Cup's about for me

7:13Andy Cole:So you're defending Sunderland's approach Andy?

7:15Luke Edwards:Yeah because like I said I think when you've played the game and you understand the game there's no team that ever turns up thinking oh we've got Port Vale we're going to ball them over five or six you can't do that because today was Port Vale's Cup final

7:29Andy Cole:you know

7:30Luke Edwards:so there's no way Sunderland have gone in there thinking oh yeah you know we're going to be straight away they know it's going to be a tough game because the pitch and they're not used to that kind of pitch you know so they know that they're going to be at their throats and you know they expect it so I'm not going to sit and say oh yeah yeah Sunderland turned out expecting to win no I wouldn't do that with any Premier League cup you leave that to me Andy

7:51Aaron Paul:do we have to factor in that Sunderland aren't in the greatest run of form two wins in seven they struggle away from home as well Andy

8:00Luke Edwards:there you go you know but no one's really going to be prepared to talk about that. They're going to talk about possibilities. They went there expecting to win 4-5. See, when you've got players like Xhaka there playing for Sunderland, there'll be no way he's gone there thinking, oh yeah, we're going to win this game comfortably. He's been too professional in his career to have gone and approached that game in that manner today. So I'm not having that. It's just Port Vale played extremely well at home today, deserved to win. and like I keep saying, that for me is the FA Cup.

8:33Andy Cole:I'm going to respectfully disagree. I do think Sunderland turned up and weren't as focused as they should be. I don't think they went into right hand.

8:40Luke Edwards:How do you know that?

8:41Andy Cole:Because I've watched them play and I've seen them play lots of times this season and compared the intensity and the energy levels. What about their form the past five, six games? Yeah, but you've seen Sunderland play Andy this season. When they're at it, when they're physical, they're intense, they're relentless, they weren't that today. They tried to play a slow game. the four, you know, okay, give them the benefit there. I'm sure they didn't turn up expecting to win, but I don't think they were as focused, as laser focused and as up for it as they should have been. And that is why FA Cup shocks happen.

9:12Andy Cole:It's why they happen year after year after year. You're right, it's Port Vale's Cup final.

9:15Aaron Paul:Look, this is a very different Port Vale. This is a very different Port Vale to the Port Vale that played early in the season under Darren Moore and Carol Shannon. Why? They are resolute, they're dogged, they're determined in what they do defensively. They're very disciplined. John Brady's a fabulous manager who came in in January after the most miserable of starts to a season and Carol Shanahan the owner needs to be given so much praise for sticking with Darren and giving him every opportunity to turn things around it didn't work out and they parted company I think she wanted him to be their manager for a long time but this is John Brady's team John Brady's Port Vale and and he's got so much respect for being a fabulous coach and I know that he's He's brought a good sort of coaching philosophy, if you like, to Vail.

10:02Aaron Paul:And it showed today, Sunderland, all that possession, plenty of attempts on goal, but struggled to get through. And Port Vail were rigid and they got the job done.

10:11Andy Cole:Yeah, they did. And those are all the qualities you need. And when you've had such a testing, trying campaign as they have done, and confidence must have been so low. I mean, they've been bottom of League One for most of the season. it's been bad since August to turn that around but that is that is the story of the cup none of that mattered none of what had gone before mattered they had that brilliant victory over Bristol City after extra time a few days earlier they should have been tired they should have been exhausted but they had that extra energy and I think they had more energy than Sunderland I really do and Sunderland hadn't had that same that same level of gruelling game in midweek so it's just a fantastic day and they will go down in Port Vale history and that is what's so special to me about the FA Cup still.

11:01Aaron Paul:Yeah, big, big win for them against Bristol City midweek and then to go on and beat Premier League opposition in the form of Sunderland. A fabulous win for Port Vale. For Sunderland though, Andy, look, one of your former sides, obviously it's been a positive return to the Premier League and they've impressed everyone with the style of football that Rajis Labrie's side play. And they've been a really sort of breath of fresh air, a real breath of fresh air to the Premier League. I just wonder what you think about their season starting to effectively peter out, what nine, ten games to go. They're not playing for anything apart from Pride and trying to finish as high as possible.

11:40Aaron Paul:What have you made of them so far?

11:42Luke Edwards:I think so far, I think they've done it extremely well. If you look at the teams that have been promoted with them, they've struggled. and if you look at what Sunderland have done to find himself in a position to find himself in the league now, yeah, I know the form's a bit up and down at the moment. They just need a couple more wins from now to the end of the season, you know, get that confidence back. And I genuinely do believe that they'll have the place to do it, but that's it. When you do get promoted, you're going to go through stages when you're not winning football matches. You're going to realise just how tough the Premier League is and I think they're at that stage now.

12:18you know not the biggest of squads a lot of players have never played in the Premier League

12:24Luke Edwards:you know that takes a lot out of you as well but I genuinely do believe they'll be okay

Read the full transcript

12:29Aaron Paul:absolutely let's push on and go to Saturday evening's fixture Chelsea had to come from behind twice in order to avoid a cup shock in North Wales at Wrexham the Welsh side are used to plenty of the cameras but it was the VAR cameras that spoiled their chances of making in the FA Cup quarterfinals for the first time since the 90s. At 2-0 in injury time, George Dobson's yellow card was upgraded to a red for a challenge on Alejandro Garnaccio. An extra time with Chelsea 3-2 up. Luis Bront's goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR check. What did you make of the decisions, Andy?

13:04Luke Edwards:Don't get me started on VAR. Come on. Do not get me started on it. I'm not a fan of it. I'm still trying to work out in my head how it's going. How is it improving the game or how is it supposed to improve the game? I see the game against Tottenham and Palace the other day. I think they said Sarr was offside by his nose. Now, that tells me everything. That tells me everything I need to know about VAR. I'll leave it there.

13:35Andy Cole:The Magic Killers, Aaron. That's what they are. They are the FA Cup Magic Killers because it was a cup tie that had absolutely everything. It was a brilliant cup tie, high drama. Wrexham were superb. Chelsea were rattled. Chelsea were uncomfortable. You have to give credit to Chelsea as well because they came through a difficult test and they've been criticised for their lack of professionalism at times this season and their decision-making. But they sort of held firm, really, under the bombardment from Wrexham. and it's just a shame that I agree that the Dobson sending off Aaron, I don't know about you Andy, but I did actually think it was a sending off.

14:18Andy Cole:Yeah, yeah. Because he is out of control and he does catch him high on the shin and it is at speed and it was a yellow card in real time and Andy's right, without VAR we'd have still had a proper cup tie because it would have just been a yellow card. But I think once VAR is there, that was going to be a red card and the offside is just such a shame because he doesn't need to touch it. it was going in anyway. It was Kiefer Moore's initial effort. It was going anyway. They were down to 10 men. They get it back to free all. And in the end, all of that drama, all it lacked was the Hollywood ending.

14:51Andy Cole:We know we associate Wrexham with Hollywood, but that was the only thing lacking from it. Wrexham gave a brilliant account themselves, but I do have to give, I don't know about Andy, but I do have to give credit for Chelsea because yes, they're expected to win. They're playing a team above them, but they kept firm, didn't they? They actually, they were under pressure. they were in trouble but they came through it

15:11Luke Edwards:Yeah, you've got to give Chelsea credit I think a lot's been made of Chelsea at the moment especially with the managerial change as well but to go there and to finish the game off it was a tough game for them Wrexham showed just how good they are even more at home they tested them and pushed them all the way but you could turn around and say I think the Premier League quality came through at the end

15:35Aaron Paul:I mean I think that's not Kairas when it gets going is unbelievable. They've got a massive game to come with Swansea City in the Derby on Friday night. But that's the one thing this Wrexham story has missed, Luke, is a cup run, a fairytale cup run. They've had all this success coming out of the National League and the EFL. A lot of people just simply do not like them. There is a lot of jealousy in football and a lot of envy in football, and that's fair enough. But I don't know. I just thought it would be their night last night.

16:05Andy Cole:It looked like it was going to go that way. I thought when they went to one up I thought I thought that was it but then Chelsea get the goal back almost immediately yeah there is a lot of jealousy around Wrexham and I totally understand that you know it's the politics of envy isn't it they've got these wealthy owners who've come in from America the Hollywood stars there's a big documentary about them but you can't argue with what they've done Phil Parkinson what a job he has done as manager and he obviously had that amazing cup run with Bradford didn't he when they when they got to the um the league cup final so yeah I know what you mean I I I thought it was maybe you know scripted that they would end up knocking out Chelsea would have been a great episode of the documentary which I'm sure they're still filming um but it wasn't to be and they've got an if they play like that though they've got an excellent chance of going up through the playoffs in the championship and I think they'll be the first team wouldn't they to do it for successive promotions yeah let's hear from let's hear from the wrexham manager Phil

17:02Aaron Paul:Parkinson.

17:03Luke Edwards:We have gone toe-to-toe with a really good team and we really did. We looked like we could cope in the company of the power, the extra technical ability. So we've got to be happy we've come up against some good players. I think Sam Smith, I said to him, your comparison to Dalap, 60 million pound player, people will be saying, well, that's a close call watching that tonight. I'm not bigging Sam up too much, but he was immense. He was immense. And in some ways, because you've got so many big games to come. Many will be televised, many will be under the lights. Do you use this from a coaching point of view, maybe mentally as much as physically, to say to your players, you've got to produce this time and time again to get to where you want to go?

17:46Luke Edwards:Yeah, I think we did the presentation to the lads yesterday about recent performances and what we needed to bring, what we've been doing well and what we needed to bring to the table tonight. And we did it. And yeah, it's more of the same.

17:59Aaron Paul:I mean, Chelsea flexing their squad muscles there, Andy, making nine changes to the starting XI. Five defenders, two defensive midfielders. It took them 27 minutes to get their first attempt on goal. What did you think of Liam Rosini's side, considering how impressive they were against Aston Villa midweek?

18:19Luke Edwards:I think when you make so many changes, it's never easy. But, I mean, I know Liam. I played with him. Obviously, I played with his dad as well. And I think Liam finds himself in a situation, he's damned if he does and he's damned if he doesn't, you know. And I think if he doesn't do well, like I said, you know, he's going to take a lot of flack. And if he does do well, he's going to take a lot of flack. But I'm very happy that he got the result he got yesterday. And like he said, you know, he can move on to midweek now. We'd have got a tough game in the Champions League.

18:53Andy Cole:What's he like, Andy? Liam. Yeah.

18:57Luke Edwards:Liam's a genuine guy. Real nice kid, intelligent kid. For him to be at the level he's at now, like I said, I'm very, very proud of him. It's not easy going into a club like Chelsea who's got great history in sacking managers when they're doing particularly well or seem to be getting the train back on the tracks. So I think ultimately he knows it's going to be difficult for him because he wants to be accepted by everyone and ultimately he's going to find it hard. But if he keeps getting results, there's not a lot anyone can say.

19:31Aaron Paul:The FA Cup feels like a very winnable competition for Chelsea this year, Luke.

19:36Andy Cole:Yeah, I think so. Yeah, they've got a... Well, you say that actually, Aaron, but if you look at it, we're going to talk about Man City in a bit, but wow, they were very, very good against Newcastle. Liverpool are still in it. Arsenal are still in it. It's winnable in that they're into the quarterfinals and they've only got three games to win. But I think there are better teams than Chelsea in the competition. If you look at league positions. So it is, and it's a realistic chance of silverware. And as Andy said, that's the only way the manager's going to get people off his back or prove people wrong or silence all the detractors is by winning football games and doing well in the FA Cup.

20:15Andy Cole:And I think for Man City and Arsenal, is the FA Cup going to be their priority between now and the end of the season?

20:23Aaron Paul:It's an unbelievable competition to win.

20:25Andy Cole:I agree, but is it going to be their priority? Is what I'm saying.

20:29Luke Edwards:You see, when you talk about priority...

20:31Andy Cole:Yes, here he comes.

20:33Luke Edwards:I'm sitting here thinking to myself, is it not a priority to win everything? Yes, it should be.

20:41Andy Cole:There you go.

20:43Aaron Paul:You don't get no trophy for fourth place.

20:45Luke Edwards:Exactly. When you're at the top of the... When you're perceived to be one of the best teams in the league, yeah?

20:51Andy Cole:Yeah.

20:52Luke Edwards:your manager start of the season managers players will always say okay we want to win the league we want to be the best team after 38 games I'll get that I've been in that position the manager used to say that to us every season cup game or a bonus you get to a cup finals with a bonus but if you want to win the league you've got to think about being the best team after 38 games once you find yourself in that position of quarter finals you turn around and say we've got a chance of winning this by the way and we want to win that was our mentality and I'd like to believe that the club's out there and I still have that mentality.

21:22Luke Edwards:Yeah, of course we want to win the FA Cup. It's quarterfinals. I mean, we start to smell the hot dogs here. Let's go and win the competition.

21:31Aaron Paul:They'll be smelling the croque monsieur. Is it croque monsieur? Monsieur? Croque monsieur? Croque monsieur, isn't it? I didn't do French. They'll be smelling the croque monsieur.

21:40Andy Cole:It does show, Aaron, that you didn't know.

21:43Aaron Paul:I did Spanish, mate. They'll be sniffing out the cheese on toast. They go away to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. Chelsea before going to Newcastle, before taking on Newcastle at Stamford Bridge and then Paris Saint-Germain for the return leg at Stamford Bridge on the 17th. So it's a big set of games. And I mean, this was no walk in the park, Luke. They're going to have to, well, I presume Liam Rosina will revert to type and those nine changes will be undone for both games. We might see limited changes, but they're going to have to just sharpen themselves up for the European champions.

22:21Andy Cole:Yeah, that's a pretty daunting task, isn't it? Taking on PSG over two legs, the holders, obviously. Chelsea, they blow hot and cold. They have done all season. The change of manager, I think Liam Rossini has done very well, really. I think it's been, as it was always going to be, it's been a challenging start. It's been a testing start. There's been some dips. There's been some criticism. But overall, I think he's done pretty well. but I'm not particularly confident they'll beat PSG over two legs. PSG haven't been at their best, I don't think, this season, but you would imagine these teams, and we saw it in last year's competition, the big European teams tend to get better as the Champions League goes on because their domestic competitions are less challenging, whereas all the English contenders, although we've got so many teams in the round of 16, they all look a little bit jadier, they all look a little bit exhausted, that it's so intense, the competition in the Premier League every week.

23:16Aaron Paul:Arsenal are through after a scare against League One, strugglers Manziel Town. Substitute Will Evans brought the Staggs level following Nani Madueke's first-half goal. Abreche Eze came off the bench to win it for the Gunners. Again, nine changes made by a manager in the form of Mikel Arteta who named two 16-year-olds in the starting line-up. Max Daumann returning and Marley Salmon. But the team also included Kai Havertz, Leo Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli Christian Norgard Ricciardo Calafiore and the goal scorer Madalweke 11 shots in the first half for Manchester they gave it a real good go Andy they certainly did

23:51Luke Edwards:you know it was really nice to see as well you know them have a go at Arsenal a bit unfortunate in the end you've got to be honest with them you know when you talk about cup shots and that but I enjoyed the way they went out there the way they played the belief that they could cause a shot which is the most important thing you know got themselves back to 1-1 and pushed Arsenal. Really, really did push Arsenal. So I think Nigel Club will be absolutely delighted with their performance. Yeah, naturally disappointed they've gone out, but really, really pleased.

24:20Andy Cole:Yeah, I think that's the most shots Arsenal have faced in the first half this season. 11, which tells you everything, really. They've given them more of a game than a lot of Premier League teams have done this season. But Arsenal, you know I'm positive about Arsenal. I'm determined to not knock them. I'm determined not to get onto this bandwagon of having a go at their style of play and their set-piece football. You know that about me, Aaron. They were professional.

24:46Aaron Paul:Mate, I've got nothing wrong with their set-piece football. I hate all this. I know, but people have. This whole thing about sort of like, you know, stick an asterisk next to it, I think is so poor. There are many ways to get the job done. It doesn't matter how you do it, as long as you put the points on the board. Exactly. Goals change games. That's it. Exactly.

25:05Andy Cole:They had to dig in. They had to get the job done. They did it. They preserved energy. They kept legs fresh for their Champions League games in midweek. Another textbook outing for Mikel Arteta. Very good. Get off Arsenal's back, everybody. Andy. I don't like the anti-Arsenal bias that has crept into the media, of which I'm part of.

25:24Aaron Paul:Andy, where are you on the Arsenal agenda?

25:27Luke Edwards:The quality Arsenal have. I would like Arsenal. Let the players be free. There's been a lot of talk of someone like Eze. I think Eze is a wonderful footballer. He's a free spirit. I mean, and then sometime I watch him play for Arsenal, obviously when he's at Palace, he's a totally different player. You know, when you've got so much quality in your team, you know, you've got to have these guys go out there and just use their magic.

25:52Aaron Paul:Are we starting to really understand the defined definitions, if you like, of what a head coach is and what a manager is? and the fact that a manager maybe does some of the training, he'll go and coach some of the time, he'll leave it to a band of assistants, but a head coach is there drilling these guys. And we see Mikel Arteta, he's very much a head coach. He's a disciple of Pep Guardiola. Is what you're coming from, Andy, is that over-coaching? Is it a stimulant of over-coaching?

26:24Luke Edwards:When I get asked this question, I always turn around and say, look, playing under the swell experience, he didn't coach. He knows what he wants. He's got his coach. his coach implements the sessions. We go from there. And he'll have us, for instance, Monday, Tuesday, we play in the Champions League or whatever it may be. Wednesday, we come for a warm down. Thursday, Friday, we have us. But once we went out there, it was like, go and enjoy yourself, express yourself and get the supporters behind you. So once you cross that white line, ultimately, you work it out for yourselves because you're all good players.

26:56Aaron Paul:We'll talk more about the weekend's FA Cup matches shortly. But first, here is your halftime teaser. at Port Vale are the last League One team in the FA Cup. How many current League One teams have won the FA Cup in their history? Answer on the way after this.

27:28Luke Edwards:We focus on the part of the internet that most people don't know about. It's called the dark web. Undercover in the furthest corners of the dark web. US special agents are on a mission to locate and rescue children from abuse. Move in now. From the BBC World Service, World of Secrets, the darkest web follows their shocking investigations. Listen on bbc.com or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

28:01Luke Edwards:A new era of Formula One is about to dawn.

28:04Andy Cole:I think the biggest step the sport has ever seen. There are new rules, new cars and a brand new team. In Formula One it's just absolute brutal pure competition. And the next generation of star drivers are taking us along for the ride too.

28:19Luke Edwards:I'm going to go like a madman. If you want to make it first of all you have to believe that you have what it takes. The biggest shake-up of F1's rulebook has been years in the making. Somebody's going to get it right and somebody's going to get it wrong. I'm Rosamund Pike and this is F1 Back at Base. A new era.

28:35Andy Cole:Listen on BBC Sounds. On the Football Daily Podcast,

28:42Aaron Paul:The Debrief with Aaron Paul. Welcome back to the FA Cup review. Before the break asked, how many current League One teams have won the FA Cup in their history? Any guesses, gentlemen?

28:52Andy Cole:I'll guess two. I'm going to go six.

28:56Aaron Paul:Can you name those? Let's see if you can... Wigan. Yeah. Luton. Huddersfield. Yeah. Bolton very much so Bradford won it Bradford City have won it 19-11

29:10Luke Edwards:yeah Wimbledon there you go

29:13Aaron Paul:so the answers Wigan, Wimbledon, Bolton Blackpool, Huddersfield Bradford Barnsley oh Barnsley Barnsley yeah Barnsley won it in 19-12 oh wow and Cardiff City 19-27 wow let's push on and talk Fulham Southampton Ross Stewart's injury time penalty was enough for Championship side Southampton to knock out Premier League. Fulham Saints in great form going into this one. Their unbeaten streak is now at 10 in all competitions. Fulham have lost five of their last eight. How much of a shock, though, is this? Andy, talk to us about your former club.

29:51Luke Edwards:I wouldn't sit here and say it's a big shock. You know, I think you could look at it and say, look, Fulham being at home could have been expected to win it. But I look at the form Southampton have been in, since they've changed the manager, it's been absolutely crazy. You know, the form has been brilliant. I saw them the other day, I think it was against QPR that they won five, was it? You know, and he's got them playing, he's got them playing with a hell of a lot of confidence, playing good football. So for me personally, I wouldn't say, like I said, it's a big surprise. I think it'd be more disappointment for Fulham, you know, being the home team.

30:27Aaron Paul:Talk to me about another disallowed goal, though.

30:32Andy Cole:well the yes i thought that was slightly strange because i've only seen the replays i wasn't watching the game but um the goalkeeper kicks the ball against his own players back and then fulham score but the referee claimed he'd already blocked what he claimed said he had already blown the whistle because the ball was be the goal kick was taken when the ball was moving but i've only seen a replay on the BBC website and it looked like the ball was still when the goalkeeper kicked it so I thought that goal should have stood it's a bit strange but unfortunately as Andy will know once the referee has blown his whistle for something like that the play is dead so factually correct.

31:13Aaron Paul:Fulham are coming to a bit of a crossroads with Marco Silva aren't they? Nine changes he made from the side that was beaten by West Ham in the last week. Their transfer policy is interesting to say the least, but he's playing it very coy as well, refusing to, well, he hasn't signed a contract and refusing to admit that, you know, he might be leaving his job. He's going to probably watch and wait until the summer, but they are approaching a junction, Andy. Where do Fulham look now? Because it feels as though they aren't that side that are going to be flirting with relegation. They've got an established style of play, entertaining football surely you do what you can to hang on to the manager yeah

31:54Luke Edwards:but it all depends on what the manager wants and what Fulham want you know I look at Fulham now and there are cemented Premier League team finishing mid-table that's that's their expectations I think you know not flirting with relegation finish mid-table everyone's happy now does the manager want that does the manager want to kick on and say look I want to try and push for European football every season or every other season I want to try and which they had the opportunity to do today advancing the cup competitions a little bit more you just don't know so when you mention the manager now not agreeing a new contract, going to wait around until the summer he's most probably at that stage where he's saying to himself look I want to kick on but does the form want to kick on

32:42Andy Cole:He's done a very good job and there's been friction there hasn't there Aaron There was friction in the summer over the lack of transfer business. That has been one of the themes of this season. Angry managers being annoyed. If you go back to summer, David Moyes was annoyed. Glasner was annoyed. Eddie Howe was annoyed. There's been lots of managers who've been publicly irritated by things that have gone on behind the scenes this season. I think Silva's done a good job, but I just don't understand. They are the definition of mid-table. They are safe. So why have they made so many changes for a home FA Cup game?

33:14Andy Cole:and that doesn't make any sense to me it doesn't make any sense to me like you've got you're safe in there it's the same with Sunderland but Fulham even more so at home you've got a chance to get into an FA Cup quarterfinal you're then two games or one game away from playing a semifinal at Wembley these are all things that aren't normal or usual for Fulham these are exciting things that they could have done and he's rotated the players today and they've ended up losing at home to a championship team I will never get my head around that Aaron never get my head around it And they were booed off, deservedly booed off.

33:46Andy Cole:They were booed off by their own supporters.

33:48Luke Edwards:But you don't know the manager's reasons. You know, he might be turning around and saying, I've been using the same players for how many games now and I just think they need the rest. But you already touched on it. For them to have the opportunity to get to the quarterfinals, you turn around and say to yourself, quarterfinals all resting? I know what I fancy, a quarterfinal.

34:06Aaron Paul:You're not going down. You're not really looking that far up. Surely you go for the quarterfinals. No, 100%. especially when your fans are paying the money they do to go and watch the football at the cottage. It certainly is a disappointing one for Fulham. But congratulations to championship side Southampton, who got the win, by the way, wearing their yellow and blue kit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their FA Cup win. On Saturday night, as a routine win in the end for Manchester City at St. James' Park, Harvey Barnes bagging the opener for Newcastle. Four goals from Savinia and two from Omar Marmouche.

34:45Aaron Paul:Sealed the deal for City. Pep Guardiola making 10 changes. Erling Haaland not even in the squad. City were already 3-1 up when he brought on Antoine Semenya, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherky. Luke, I presume you were there. I was. Talk to me about it.

35:03Andy Cole:It was ominous, really. Newcastle were very good for 20 minutes, half an hour. got the lead and then just the fatigue caught up with them Man City had made 10 changes and you just wouldn't have known Aaron they were so good they were the best team I've seen this season the way they kept the ball the way that they manipulated Newcastle the way they made them run the way they realised that fatigue was going to catch up with them and just made them chase the ball chase the ball chase the ball it was something that Barcelona in their pomp used to do to teams you know tie them out and yeah they were really, really good and it was a sobering reality check for Newcastle because there's been some rather over-excitable talk emanating from the boardroom from the Saudi Arabian owners, from the CEO about being in the conversation to be one of the best clubs in the world, regularly competing for the top European and domestic honours by 2030.

35:57Andy Cole:Well, that's four years away and I think Manchester United have played Newcastle five times this season, beaten them four times and knocked them out of both cup competitions. They're the standard bearers for what is an elite club in this country and in Europe and Newcastle were way off it and I think it it sort of very harshly showed just how big that gap between Newcastle they've done brilliantly Newcastle under Eddie Howe they've had a fantastic run they have closed that gap they've gone in four and a half years from a team battling relegation to one that's qualified for the Champions League twice in three years and won the Carabao Cup but to make that next step that is huge I don't see that happening in four years, Aaron.

36:37Andy Cole:And I think, I know we're talking about one game being a microcosm, but it wasn't just one game. It was what happened in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Man City. And every, you know, probably nine or ten, certainly nine of Man City's, if we want to call it a second string squad team, heavily rotated. I reckon nine of those players will get into Newcastle starting 11. I just don't see how in the space of four years Newcastle are going to close that gap.

37:02Aaron Paul:It was clinical, wasn't it? From Manchester City, Andy. but fundamentally Newcastle have been shipping goals at the back.

37:14Luke Edwards:Yeah, I was saying I was in Newcastle last week to be fair and I was saying that it's been a difficult season for Newcastle this season. Very difficult, not sure why. But I've found it a lot harder than anticipated. Could say Champions League come a little bit too early for them. having so many games to play and not having the biggest of squads, but it is what it is. They've got to suck it up and they've got to try and get themselves getting positive results and they've got a massive game midweek against Barcelona, which is not going to be easy. With Manchester City, the performance yesterday was absolutely brilliant, but I just find them so inconsistent at the moment.

37:57Luke Edwards:If you look at that performance yesterday to the performance midweek against if not on Forest. He was talking cheese. He made 10 changes as well for this game. If they played like they did yesterday or on Wednesday, the gap between them and Arsenal would be a lot smaller, but inconsistent.

38:18Andy Cole:I think with Newcastle Andy, what they've done, they've almost been a victim of their own success and people lose sight of that. They've attacked four competitions this season and it's really interesting listening to Pep Guardiola after the game because he was asked about, that's what I've just alluded to there about that 2030 thing and he said Newcastle have just haven't, Man City are used to playing Champions League, going deep into cup competitions, competing for league titles they've been doing it for more than 10 years now, so have the other big clubs so has Liverpool, so has Chelsea, so have Arsenal Newcastle just haven't and they've tried to with a squad that just doesn't have the depth doesn't have the quality to try and they've got to the cup semi-finals in the Carabao Cup, they've got through to the knockout rounds of the Champions League for the first time in their history but their league form has suffered as a result and they've come up against Man City in the cup and they've gone out because Man City are better than them.

39:07Andy Cole:You know, player for player, they're better than them and Newcastle have punched above their weight, really. They've done really, really well for four years and I think this season is just that moment where it's kind of all cut up with them. Yeah, that's the phrase and it's just caught up with them.

39:20Aaron Paul:Eddie Howe has called Tuesday's game with Barcelona the biggest game in the club's history. They're fixtureless. Barcelona, Chelsea away, Barcelona away and then the derby against Sunderland. Oh, that's going to be, that's mouth-watering. Really, really is. By the way, that derby live on 5 Live. Your other results in the FA Cup this weekend. Liverpool are through to the next phase of the competition after beating Wolves 3-1. Molineux leads United also through their dispatch with Norwich City by three goals 2-0. Thank you to Andy and Luke. That's all we've got time for on the FA Cup debrief. Don't forget, tomorrow night, live on BBC Radio 5 Live, we've got full commentary of West Ham United against Brentford and the FA Cup draw as well.

40:10Aaron Paul:We'll catch you then.

40:28Luke Edwards:I'm Rich Hall, and this is Sports Strangest Crimes presents Confessions of a Super Bowl Streaker. When people ask me what I do, I say to them, well, by day or by night. The story of one man's mission to conquer the holy grail of streaking the Super Bowl. Mark Roberts is too lively for his body.

40:48Aaron Paul:He's just like the entertainer. Mark pushes the boundaries of what is socially acceptable. No chance, Texas. It's really strict, but then the more I thought about it, the more I thought, hang on. What are you about?

41:00Luke Edwards:Sports Strangers Crimes presents Confessions of a Super Bowl Streaker.

41:06Andy Cole:Listen on BBC Sounds.

41:11Luke Edwards:We focus on the part of the internet that most people don't know about. It's called the dark web. Undercover in the furthest corners of the dark web, US special agents are on a mission to locate and rescue children from abuse. Move in now. From the BBC World Service, World of Secrets, the darkest web follows their shocking investigations. Listen on bbc.com or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

From the publisher

Andy Cole and Luke Edwards join Aaron Paul as Port Vale shock Sunderland and Wrexham come so close against Chelsea.

Port Vale might be bottom of League One, but they're on top of the world after beating Sunderland. 

Plus Wrexham's epic with Chelsea, Mansfield have a go at Arsenal and Southampton beat Fulham.   TIME CODES: 0:52 Port Vale are in the quarter finals of the FA Cup 6:36 Did Sunderland take Vale too lightly? 11:16 Chelsea need extra time to beat Wrexham 15:45 Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson reacts to his team's performance 21:58 Mansfield had a real go at Arsenal 27:39 Southampton knock out Premier League Fulham 32:43 Pep Guardiola made 10 changes, but City were still too good for Newcastle

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