FA Cup fourth round: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

George Hirst finds inspiration from his father, Plymouth exploit Arne Slot’s choices and Marcus Rashford shows promise at his new club. Against Tottenham, the Aston Villa substitute Marcus Rashford looked, well, like the old Marcus Rashford. On the left, the Manchester United loanee embarrassed Pedro Porro with a nutmeg. Through the middle, a deft touch helped release Jacob Ramsey through on goal. Rashford flew down the right at searing pace (before a brilliant Archie Gray tackle limited further damage to Spurs). In half an hour, Rashford only had one fewer touches than Son Heung-min managed in 90 minutes. He looked fit and mentally eager (winning both the tackles he attempted), had a 93% pass accuracy, won four of six aerial duels and generally looked in synergy with his new teammates. Maybe he has a point to prove, or has had a boost of confidence from Villa’s fans and manager, or maybe Rashford is just playing in a quality, well-oiled side again, but Villa’s new No 9 looked – for 30 minutes at least – back to his best. Michael Butler.

Match report: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham. Perhaps the most important thing for Eddie Howe – other than reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup and maintaining the momentum from Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final win – was to assess various fringe members of his squad. It was a mixed bag but certain players shone, notably Joe Willock and the 6ft 4in William Osula. “He was an outlet for us,” Howe said of the 21-year-old Dane, who started on the right them moved into the middle. “His pace and strength and directness were key for us in that first half. He’s versatile, and can play any of the front three positions. He’s a natural goalscorer. He’s got a few rough edges we have to improve, but he’s a massive player for us and very close to playing. He’s got a great attitude.” Osula has played only 49 league minutes since signing from Sheffield United in August but that will surely increase soon. Jonathan Wilson.

Match report: Birmingham City 2-3 Newcastle United. Arne Slot has been rightly praised this season but this embarrassing Liverpool defeat at Plymouth was undoubtedly the lowest point of his tenure so far. The inquest is under way, and while some will point to the disappointing performances of seasoned internationals and inexperienced young players, most of the blame must fall on Slot, particularly the Dutchman’s decision to put Darwin Núñez and a half-fit Curtis Jones as the only established names on Liverpool’s bench. Liverpool were rudderless and when Plymouth scored and the game went south for the Reds, Slot had no plan B. Resting players against a side bottom of the Championship before the Merseyside derby on Wednesday is understandable but there is no reason why at least a couple more senior players could not have added to the bench. Slot’s gamble massively backfired and hopes of a quadruple are gone. MB.

Match report: Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Liverpool. As Enzo Maresca was keen to point out, Chelsea’s toothless display at Brighton highlighted how reliant they have become on Nicolas Jackson to lead the line. The Senegal forward missed the game due to injury, and Christopher Nkunku, who is much better suited to a deeper role, failed to impress in his place. The teenage back-up striker Marc Guiu is set to be out for an extended period but Maresca seemed more positive about Jackson’s chances of returning for Chelsea’s return trip to the Amex in the Premier League on Friday night. “It won’t be long but we will see if he will be available for the next game,” he said. “Sometimes I think you need to play some games without players to realise how important they are. Off the ball, his pressing is always very good and, on the ball, he is a threat always.” Ed Aarons.

Match report: Brighton 2-1 Chelsea. “Jack is a player of the street.” Mm. You knew what Pep Guardiola was getting at after an encouraging performance from Jack Grealish in Manchester City’s win at Brisbane Road. It is also tempting to wonder which streets Pep has in mind. Those famous back alleys where some youthful free-spirit holds the ball on the left wing for ages so his fellow scruffs can reinstate their defensive shape? Streets where no one scores any goals? It is no secret Guardiola has sanded back Grealish’s game. A player who racked up 30 league goal involvements in his last two seasons at Aston Villa is now on five and counting in his last two seasons as a bit-part City player. Grealish also has seven major trophies from his time with City. A move that has made his career has also circumscribed the joy in his game. He could still simply play better, become more effective. But he also embodies the Pep paradox: a reputation for fluid creative football, a reality of team play, systems and discipline above all. Barney Ronay.

Match report: Leyton Orient 1-2 Manchester City. As Bournemouth beat Everton for the third time this season, Antoine Semenyo adopted the role of tormentor-in-chief. The 25-year-old was a powerful, destructive force throughout the final cup game at Goodison Park, emphatically converting a penalty for his fourth goal in his past six matches and thwarting the hosts’ hopes of a fightback with a goalline clearance from Iliman Ndiaye’s header. “Antoine is in a lovely moment,” said the Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola. “He is full of confidence, finishing well with both feet, defending well on the line and connecting very well with Milos [Kerkez] on that left side. I’m happy to keep him there. As long as he keeps doing what he’s doing he is going to be very valuable for us.” Andy Hunter.