Five Stars Who Stole the Show in the 2025–26 FA Cup Quarterfinals

Five Stars Who Stole the Show in the 2025–26 FA Cup Quarterfinals

English clubs returned from the international break and jumped straight into FA Cup action this weekend, delivering four highly entertaining matches.

Manchester City heaped pressure on Liverpool in dominant style, while Premier League table-toppers Arsenal were knocked out by second-division Southampton, turning their quadruple ambitions into a pursuit of just a double in an instant.

Elsewhere, Chelsea lifted spirits with a commanding victory over League One side Port Vale, before Sunday produced the standout match of the round as Leeds United edged through a penalty shootout to knock out West Ham United, setting up a thrilling set of semifinal clashes at Wembley later this month.

Using FotMob's player ratings, here are the five standout performers from the quarterfinals.

5. Adama Traoré (West Ham)

Adama Traoré

Rating: 8.7

Few players can be as maddening to watch as West Ham's Adama Traoré, whose sharp dribbling doesn't always translate into a meaningful end product. Fortunately for Hammers supporters, he delivered everything they could have hoped for on Sunday.

A sublime cross set up Axel Disasi's dramatic late equalizer—just one of six chances created by the powerful winger in a display that saw him wreak havoc repeatedly throughout the match.

4. Nico O'Reilly (Man City)

Nico O'Reilly

Rating: 8.8

From the very first seconds of Man City's 4–0 demolition of Liverpool, Nico O'Reilly's slick footwork made it immediately apparent he was set for an outstanding performance.

The left back's defining moment came with his assist for his team's fourth goal of the afternoon, though that was merely one highlight in a string of dazzling contributions that left Liverpool's players frustrated, most notably Virgil van Dijk, who conceded a penalty for fouling O'Reilly. A place in England's World Cup squad looks increasingly probable for the young talent.

3. James Trafford (Man City)

James Trafford

Rating: 9.2

James Trafford has, understandably, been dissatisfied with his limited role at City this season. Signed in the summer before Gianluigi Donnarumma became available, the 23-year-old has had to make do with cup appearances. Trafford ensured he made the most of this opportunity.

A string of outstanding saves, including stopping a penalty from Mohamed Salah, allowed City to add further embarrassment to their victory. Trafford also caught the eye with his footwork, expertly evading Liverpool's press and instilling confidence in his teammates ahead of him. What more could you ask for?

2. Estêvão (Chelsea)

Estêvão

Rating: 9.3

During the opening half of Chelsea's 7–0 rout of Port Vale, Estêvão didn't look destined for such an impressive rating. He appeared slightly out of sorts on the left wing, but once Liam Rosenior moved him back to his preferred right side, the game changed entirely.

Estêvão was absolutely brilliant, contributing a goal and an assist while making a powerful statement in his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury. The quality of the opposition was a factor, of course, but the 18-year-old undeniably reminded Chelsea supporters exactly why they had been so excited about him before he got injured.

1. Erling Haaland (Man City)

Erling Haaland

Rating: 9.6

When you score the first hat-trick against Liverpool in 89 years, it's no surprise your rating ends up near the top.

It was a merciless goalscoring exhibition from Erling Haaland, who overpowered Liverpool's center backs on his way to the 28th treble of his career. With six goals in three appearances against the Reds this season, it's evident Haaland has relished his encounters with Arne Slot's struggling side.

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