A dramatic 16:9 thumbnail showing dejected Crystal Palace players on one side and a jubilant Antoine Semenyo on the other, split by an electric lime green energy streak, with a ghostly FA Cup trophy silhouette.

FA Cup Review: Palace Stunned, Semenyo Stars on Debut

Published on March 10, 2024

The FA Cup third round is famous for its drama, and this weekend did not disappoint. It delivered a classic tale of two fortunes. On one hand, reigning champions Crystal Palace were sensationally knocked out in one of the competition’s biggest-ever upsets. On the other hand, a new star was born as Antoine Semenyo announced his arrival at Manchester City with a breathtaking debut. This FA Cup review unpacks a weekend of giant-killings and glittering performances.

A Historic Upset: Macclesfield Topple Champions

The magic of the FA Cup was on full display as non-league Macclesfield FC achieved the unthinkable. They defeated the holders, Crystal Palace, in a stunning 2-1 victory that will be remembered for years. This result marks one of the greatest upsets in the competition’s long history.

Macclesfield FC players celebrate their historic FA Cup win over Crystal Palace.

A Gulf in Class, A Triumph of Spirit

Macclesfield FC, a team from the National League North, overcame a massive 117-place gap in the English football pyramid to beat the Premier League giants. Consequently, their victory was a testament to pure determination. The non-league heroes secured their place in the fourth round thanks to crucial goals from their captain, Paul Dawson, and forward Isaac Buckley-Ricketts. Their performance demonstrated that on any given day, anything is possible in this tournament.

Palace Left Reeling

For Crystal Palace, the result was a bitter disappointment. Manager Oliver Glasner did not hide his frustration after the match. He bluntly stated that his team showed a “lack of quality” and ultimately “deserved to lose.” The defeat ends their FA Cup defence at the first hurdle, leaving the club to reflect on a truly shocking exit.

Semenyo Shines in Sensational City Debut

While Palace faced despair, Manchester City celebrated the explosive arrival of their new signing, Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian forward, who joined from AFC Bournemouth for a reported £62.5 million just a day earlier, made an immediate and unforgettable impact.

Antoine Semenyo scores on his Manchester City debut in the FA Cup.

A Dream Start

Semenyo’s debut was nothing short of spectacular. In Manchester City’s emphatic 10-1 demolition of Exeter City, he was the standout performer. He not only scored a goal but also provided an assist for a teammate. In doing so, Semenyo achieved a remarkable feat:

He became the first player to both score and assist on his competitive debut for Manchester City since Sergio Aguero back in 2011.
His incredible performance deservedly earned him the Man of the Match award.

This powerful display suggests City has secured a major new talent.

Dynamic shot of a football match with blurred players in action.

Conclusion: The Unpredictable Beauty of the Cup

Ultimately, the weekend was a perfect snapshot of the FA Cup. It delivered both a fairy-tale underdog story with Macclesfield’s triumph and a showcase of elite talent with Antoine Semenyo’s stunning debut. It proves that this historic competition remains as unpredictable and thrilling as ever. As the dust settles, one team celebrates a giant-killing for the ages, while another unleashes a new weapon in their quest for silverware. The road to the final is now wide open.