Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs – Sunderland
Roefs was one of Sunderland’s signings of the Premier League season, with the young goalkeeper further cementing his reputation this weekend. The Dutchman saved all three Everton penalties in his side’s shootout win to send Sunderland into the fourth round.
Right back: Rico Lewis – Manchester City
It was a fine afternoon for the Manchester City academy against Exeter City, with four homegrown talents on target in the club’s stunning 10-1 win.
Rico Lewis was a relative veteran compared to the other academy talent on display and led by example. Lewis scored twice from right back and also wore the captain’s armband on a proud evening.
Central defender: Max Alleyne – Manchester City
Max Alleyne must have felt like he was in a whirlwind this week. Recalled from a loan spell at Watford amid Manchester City’s defensive problems, he has been put straight into the team and impressed.
Alleyne opened the floodgates during the 10-1 win over Exeter with his first senior goal for the club. It capped off a solid performance, in which the 19-year-old barely misplaced a pass (96.5%).
Centre-back: Sam Heathcote – Macclesfield
Anyone from the Macclesfield team could have played in this side given the greatness of their victory over Crystal Palace.
A special mention to Sam Heathcote, who was part of a side that defended resolutely. Heathcote, who was due to be released last summer before changing his mind at the club, made eight clearances and did not lose a single aerial duel (2/2).
Left back: Jorell Hato – Chelsea
After a difficult start at Chelsea, this could be a turning point for Jorell Hato. The 19-year-old had his best game yet for Chelsea at Charlton, with excellent work at both ends of the pitch. His goal to open the floodgates of The Valley was a super attack.
Midfield: Paul Dawson – Macclesfield
At the center of the biggest upset in FA Cup third round history. Macclesfield this weekend became the first non-league team to eliminate the holders since 1909 after a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
There were 117 places between the teams in the pyramid, but a Dawson captain’s performance – and an opener with a perfect head – helped Macc upset the odds.
Midfield: Louis Reed – Mansfield Town
Louis Reed returned to haunt his former team this weekend as the Mansfield midfielder scored twice in his side’s win at Sheffield United.
Reed came through the ranks at Bramall Lane and marked his return to the venue with two excellent goals. His dipping opener may have been the goal of the third round.
Right: Harvey Barnes – Newcastle
What a week it has been for Harvey Barnes. Fresh from a double against Leeds in midweek, including the last winning goal ever scored in the Premier League, Barnes was at it again.
He scored another brace as Newcastle came out on top in a thriller against Bournemouth. After a 3-3 draw, he coolly converted from the spot in the shootout success.
Left: Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli was in the news for all the wrong reasons earlier this week, so this might have been the perfect performance to soften that noise.
Martinelli scored his first ever Arsenal hat-trick as the Gunners came from behind to beat Portsmouth 4-1 at Fratton Park. Double-headed goals from set pieces underlined Arsenal’s threat in such situations.
Forward: Emil Riis Jakobsen – Bristol City
Emil Riis Jakobsen produced perhaps the individual performance of the round as Bristol City conquered Championship rivals Watford in the third round.
Jakobsen scored a stunning hat-trick and added an assist as The Robins ran riot to run out 5-1 winners.
Forward: Jorgen Strand Larsen – Wolves
Rob Edwards has hinted that Jorgen Strand Larsen could be sold this month to fund a rebuild at Wolves.
If that is the case, Wolves have resigned themselves to relegation. Strand Larsen represents their best chance of an unlikely climb out of trouble, with his hat-trick to sink Shrewsbury a reminder of his quality.
Read – FA Cup Third Round Awards – Magic Macclesfield, Reed’s rasper
See more – Six of the biggest upsets in the FA Cup third round
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