Port Vale manager Jon Brady has described his side's FA Cup run as a 'pain in the bum' as they juggle a relegation fight in League One with a historic quarter-final appearance. The Valiants, currently bottom of the third tier, knocked out Championship side Sunderland 1-0 in the fifth round, with Ben Waine scoring the winner. Despite the triumph, Brady admitted the extra fixtures are a challenge. 'It's a bit of a pain in the bum. It's a privilege but it's tough as well,' he said.
Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris fielded a strong side but saw his team outplayed by a Port Vale side that 'wanted it more'. The Black Cats' only notable moment was a Luke O'Nien backpass that forced his goalkeeper into an acrobatic clearance. Sunderland fans, accustomed to calamity, took the defeat in stride, with one noting it 'isn't even in the top 10 most embarrassing things' in his lifetime.
Elsewhere, Fulham manager Marco Silva faced criticism after making nine changes for their defeat to Southampton, while Leeds United cruised past Norwich 3-0 to reach the last eight for the first time in over 20 years. Arsenal needed extra time to beat Mansfield Town, with Mikel Arteta admitting his side had to 'dig in' after conceding an equaliser. Chelsea also progressed, beating Wrexham 3-1 in a match where VAR decisions went against the hosts.
