Brighton knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory, while Newcastle secured a hard-fought 3-2 comeback win over Birmingham. Chelsea took an early lead but struggled against Brighton’s intensity, with Rutter and Mitoma sealing the Seagulls' progression.
Brighton delivered a major blow to Chelsea's FA Cup campaign, knocking the Blues out of the competition with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls, who have been enjoying a strong run of form in recent years under Roberto De Zerbi, showcased their resilience and attacking prowess to secure a well-deserved place in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Newcastle United also booked their spot in the next round after a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Birmingham City, in a match filled with twists and late drama.
Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, were hoping to keep their cup ambitions alive, and the visitors got off to the perfect start. With Portuguese forward Pedro Neto included in the starting lineup, the Blues struck first after just five minutes, benefitting from a mistake by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. The early lead should have given Chelsea a confidence boost, but instead, it was Brighton who responded with greater intensity and determination. Just seven minutes later, French winger Georginio Rutter stepped up for Brighton, leveling the match with a precise finish in the 12th minute. The goal ignited the home crowd and shifted the momentum firmly in Brighton's favor. Chelsea struggled to regain control as their midfield was overrun by Brighton’s high pressing, with Moisés Caicedo and Pascal Groß dictating the tempo.
Despite Chelsea's attempts to reorganize, Brighton continued to pose a constant threat, and their attacking pressure paid off in the 57th minute when Kaoru Mitoma sealed the victory with a well-timed strike. Rutter, having already scored the equalizer, turned provider, delivering a perfectly weighted pass that allowed the Japanese star to finish clinically past Chelsea’s goalkeeper. The final half-hour saw Chelsea push forward desperately in search of an equalizer, with Pochettino bringing on attacking reinforcements, including Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. However, Brighton’s defense remained well-structured and disciplined, denying Chelsea clear-cut opportunities. The Seagulls held on to their lead until the final whistle, confirming yet another disappointing exit for Chelsea in what has been a turbulent season.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United found themselves in a difficult situation against Birmingham City, a side currently playing in League One. The Magpies, heavily favored to progress, were stunned in the opening minute when Ethan Laird fired Birmingham into an early lead, sending shockwaves through the away camp. Eddie Howe’s side responded quickly, with Joe Willock playing a crucial role in Newcastle’s recovery. The midfielder equalized in the 21st minute with a well-placed strike before Callum Wilson completed the turnaround just five minutes later, putting Newcastle in front with a clinical finish. Despite Newcastle taking control, Birmingham refused to back down and managed to level the match before halftime through Iwata in the 39th minute.
The second half saw Newcastle pushing hard for a winner, with Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon both coming close to restoring their lead. Birmingham, despite being underdogs, showed impressive organization and defensive commitment, making life difficult for their Premier League opponents. The breakthrough finally came in the 83rd minute when Joe Willock struck again, securing his brace and ensuring Newcastle’s progression with a hard-fought 3-2 victory. The Magpies breathed a sigh of relief as they avoided a potential upset and now look forward to the next round with renewed confidence.
Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Fulham, managed by Portuguese coach Marco Silva, also booked their place in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 victory away at Wigan. The London club controlled much of the match against their second-tier opponents and sealed the win despite some nervy moments late on. A significant storyline emerged in Burnley’s 1-0 victory over Southampton, as Marcus Edwards, recently signed from Sporting CP in the winter transfer window, made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut. His goal proved decisive in helping the second-tier club knock out their top-flight opposition, highlighting the potential Edwards brings to his new team.
Other notable results saw Everton falling to a 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth in a disappointing outing for Sean Dyche’s side. Ipswich Town produced one of the standout performances of the round, securing an emphatic 4-1 victory away to Coventry, while reigning Premier League champions Manchester City had to work harder than expected to overcome a determined Leyton Orient side, eventually winning 2-1.
With the FA Cup now heating up, the competition continues to deliver drama, upsets, and standout individual performances. Brighton’s elimination of Chelsea serves as another reminder that anything can happen in knockout football, while Newcastle’s comeback win shows that even against lower-division sides, no team is safe until the final whistle. As the remaining teams prepare for the next round, anticipation is building for more surprises and intense clashes in one of England’s most prestigious tournaments.
