FA Cup may never look the same again as major change to tournament format is considered
WEMBLEY bosses will consider scrapping extra-time in next season’s FA Cup.
But there is NO chance of replays coming back.
Tamworth were denied the prospect of a money-spinning trip to N17 when they were forced into an extra half-hour after holding Spurs to a goalless draw in 90 minutes.
In every other season, those third-round heroics would have guaranteed a replay.
Those matches have previously seen minnows scoop more than half a million in gate receipts and TV cash.
Prem clubs’ concerns over fixture congestion, exacerbated by the new initial stage of the Champions League and Europa League spreading into the last two weeks of January, saw the FA force through the decision to end all replays in April.
However, there is a growing feeling within the FA that finishing games after 90 minutes and going straight to a shoot-out will be better – especially for the lower-tier teams.
Tamworth visibly tired after Ange Postecoglou was able to send on Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski for extra time on Sunday, with Spurs eventually scoring three in the additional 30 minutes.
Manchester United also had to play for an extra half hour with 10 men against Arsenal, although they did then win the shoot-out to progress to round four.
United will have played 16 matches between the start of December and the end of this month, with the heavy workload likely to bring further injuries.
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Those European dates – which mean there would have been no space for Arsenal, Spurs or United to fit in a replay – will ensure that ties will all be settled on the day from now on.
But FA chiefs are ready to discuss following the EFL Cup approach, with ties in the Carabao Cup having gone to spot-kicks after 90 minutes six seasons ago.
Tamworth themselves beat League One Burton on penalties in the first round.
But non-leaguers Harborough, Kettering and Oldham all lost to EFL sides in extra-time.
Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot's moment of madness
MANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.
The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.
On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…
ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8
Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.
Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7
Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8
Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 8
Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.
Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.
DIOGO DALOT – 3
Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.
MANUEL UGARTE – 7
A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.
Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 6
Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.
Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7
Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.
Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.
Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 3
Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.
SUBSTITUTES
Amad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6
Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6
Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.
Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5
Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.
Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6
Stuck to his task well.
Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6
Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb.
Now the FA plans to review the situation at the end of the season.
And the “lottery” factor of a shoot-out after 90 minutes is a major argument in favour of shortening games from next term.