5 Things You May Have Missed In The FA Cup Quarter Finals

The FA Cup quarter-finals never fail to deliver drama, excitement, and controversy—and the weekend’s fixtures were no different. While the headlines focused on the big moments, there were plenty of intriguing details that may have slipped under the radar. From tactical genius to unsung heroes, here are five things you might have missed in this thrilling round of fixtures.

Nottingham Forest Love Penalties

Forest have been nothing short of brilliant this season, Nuno channeling his inner Brian Clough, making a serious charge towards taking the reds to the Champions League for the first time in over 40 years. However, having played 4 games in the FA cup this season, their last 3 games in the tournament have all gone to penalties, on Saturday goalkeeper Mats Sels saved spot-kicks from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez to put Forest through and send them to Wembley.

Forest marching on Wembley as well as marching on Europe. Incredible season. Great character in #FACup. Sels 🙌 superb. Milenkovic immense. Yates such a leader. All three outstanding in the game and shootout. And Nuno continues to weave his magic 🪄#NFFC #BHANFO
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 29, 2025

Pep Might Still Have It

After falling under criticism from rival fans after City’s poor form in comparison to previous seasons where they have dominated nearly all domestic competitions, a strike of genius from Guardiola helped to get City over the line in their 2-1 comeback over Bournemouth. After bringing on youngster Nico O’Reilly at half time, he went on to assist both of his team's goals, setting up Haaland for the first and then linking up with fellow substitute Omar Marmoush to put city in front.

Nico O'Reilly vs AFC Bournemouth [A]

45 minutes played, 2 assists

pic.twitter.com/MK6M8LjJwm
— Ous (@fukxumean) March 30, 2025

Rashford Opens His Villa Account

After providing 4 assists since signing for the Villans in January, Rashford proved any doubters wrong, showing shades of his former self and netting a brace including a no-look penalty to send Villa to an FA cup semi-final for the first time in 10 years when they beat Preston North End on Sunday. The last time Villa reached an FA Cup semi-final they faced Liverpool in 2015, a fixture that they won 2-1.

Marcus Rashford didn't even look at the ball for his penalty 😱#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/MbsewYwl6s
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025

Eze Helps Carry Palace To Wembley

In the first fixture of the weekend, Fulham seemed to dominate the game on paper, having far more of the ball and taking around twice the number of shots as Palace. However Palace were far more clinical with the opportunities that they had. Eze opened the scoring 34 minutes in, curling one into the bottom right corner from outside the box, he then assisted the second goal, teeing up Ismaila Sarr for a header just 4 minutes later. Palace went on to win the match 3-0 with Eddie Nketiah putting the nail in Fulham’s coffin towards the end of the second half.

Sit back, relax and enjoy Ebere Eze 😳#CPFC pic.twitter.com/ajWAxTJ4Oo
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 30, 2025

City Increase Record Run

Following their Victory against Bournemouth, Manchester City have now reached their seventh consecutive FA Cup Semi-Final, building on their record which they acquired last season after making it 6 in a row after beating Newcastle 2-0. If City beat Forest in their next game in the campaign, they will reach their 3rd Cup Final in as many years.

Manchester City are the first side in men’s FA Cup history to reach the semi-finals in seven consecutive seasons. 👏 pic.twitter.com/m3zwlWkz04
— Squawka (@Squawka) March 30, 2025