Thrills, tempers and oh so nearly an upset: Five things we learned from the FA Cup fourth round

The FA Cup fourth round delivered yet more thrills

The fourth round of the FA Cup kicked into full-gear after Manchester United drubbed Arsenal yesterday evening.

But after a laboured beginning to Saturday’s 3pm kick-offs, a second-half goal glut saw Shrewsbury Town come seconds from stunning Premier League Wolves while Manchester City proved as ruthless as ever as in their rout of Burnley.

Here are five things we learned:

Shrewsbury almost pull off a vintage upset

Eight 3pm kick-offs, but just three goals after 45 minutes between them. The FA Cup still seemed like it was somewhat stuck in a hangover after Arsenal and United’s thrilling opening act to the fourth round. The knockout format, famed for conjuring haring games, not quite clicking.

But then, invigorated by the break, arise Shrewsbury. The League One side stunned Premier League Wolves on the counter-attack, and then added a second on the stroke of 70 minutes. Then came a frantic rush as Wolves struggled to avoid embarrassment.

The match was the one twisting storyline which every FA Cup weekend requires - the minnows taking it to the mighty. This time, they were deprived of a famous win.

John Coleman was fuming after Accrington Stanley’s defeat to Derby (Getty)

Stanley and Derby kindle Cup traditions

On a muddied track at the Wham Stadium, Accrington Stanley and Derby kindled the much-vaunted Cup spirit that’s plastered across black and white montages. A pair of red-cards, penalty appeals, a breakaway goal and a last-ditch save, topped off by the maraschino cherry of BT Sport’s commentary team standing on the roof of the ground.

The only thing the Rams’ 1-0 win lacked was a temper flare-up. Thankfully, Accrington’s visibly distressed boss John Coleman provided the theatrics. “I feel physically sick. I am rapidly falling out of love with football,” he said. “Each week you get stiffed by a decision.”

Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman during the FA Cup fourth round match against Derby County (PA)

Pep Guardiola holds no punches

There was little leeway for Burnley at the Etihad – nor the corner flag which was severed early in the first half causing the game to be paused – as Pep Guardiola stayed in pursuit on four fronts.

Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne started while there was no place for Phil Foden, for whom this could’ve been a perfect opportunity against Premier League level opposition.

Almost 80% possession in the game, barely breaching half-pace, Guardiola’s side didn’t offer a sliver of mercy and De Bruyne’s affirmed his return to full fitness.

Five goals to nil against Premier League level opposition, Guardiola may deflect from their juggling of four competitions, but as they sustained that bid they remained as merciless as ever.

Morgan Gibbs-White revels in minutes

As Phil Foden was stuck to the bench, another U17 World Cup winner showed himself to be a diamond in defeat. Morgan Gibbs-White may not be hailed in the same bracket as some of his top-four peers, but the 18 year-old continues to flourish with first-team appearances.

A burst of quick-feet and flurries of skill, this was Gibbs-White’s 47th game for Wolves – more senior appearances than any other player in that winning England squad -. and the teenager only continues to press his case for more Premier League minutes.

18-year-old Morgan Gibbs-White continues to impress (Getty)

Super spy Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Nestled into a light-blue seat at the Etihad, less than 24 hours after seeing his United side outclass Arsenal at the Emirates, Ole Gunner Solskjaer delved into enemy territory for a reconnaissance mission.

Eight games undefeated, United take on Burnley next who’ll offer an altogether different task to the Gunners. And having seen City unpick an oft resilient Burnley side, he’ll have gathered more than enough homework.