What a good Cup weekend that was.

Well that turned into a pretty good weekend of football. I saw a line suggesting all the FA Cup needed in order to be worth a watch again was teams that believed in it - that wanted to be part of it.

I’d go along with that, but I think there’s a bit more to it. Giving the Cup a weekend free of PL football is part of the formula. And I love a penalty shoot out.

That might sound strange, coming from somebody whose team has suffered more than most from penalty heartbreak in recent seasons, but you can’t beat the drama.

Getting ties settled on the day has been an enormous plus as well. I know the decision the scrap replays caused an awful fuss when it was announced, but we’ve gained more than we lost - and I felt that would be the case right from the off.

Perhaps Exeter fans won’t agree? They were denied a replay at Forest that could’ve made them a few quid and there could be another example but, the decision has benefitted the majority.

I’m delighted for Forest, whose season deserves a Wembley appearance, but had the tie had gone the other way I’d have been equally pleased. The next step for Brighton is to win a trophy.

Villa were terrific at Preston, who were sadly way out of their depth. What a season it would be for Marcus Rashford if he ends up with FA Cup and CL medals. What are the chances I wonder?

I got battered when I called Rashford out a few seasons back, but I wasn’t wrong. I don’t know the truth behind his fall from grace at OT, but it can’t have helped having to work for ten Hag. Like everyone else Rashford must’ve dreaded going to work during that deadly dull period, although he could and should have done better.

A lot of people were unsure about Villa’s decision to take him, but for me it was a no-brainer. At his best he’s a class act. He needed to work for someone that believes in him and in Emery he’s got that.

City got lucky. I’d have been very happy to see Bournemouth win. Their season deserved a Wembley trip as well and they were on course for a large part of the game.

I didn’t agree with Sam Matterface’s verdict that ‘Guardiola’s genius’ changed the game because he put subs on. What other coach wouldn’t have made changes 1-0 down - and then crossed his fingers? And Marmoush wouldn’t have got on if Haaland hadn’t got injured. That’s how it goes sometimes.

Sam’s a good mate and I’ve told him my thoughts! That tiny error aside - how good has he become? I think he’s doing a really good job as ITV’s lead commentator. He’s really grown into the job.

Palace were good value for their win at Fulham. That was another tie I was quite happy to see either team win. Both would’ve been good value for a semi-final place, but in the end Eze and co were better.

If recent history is anything to go by City will win it. One of the big boys always does, but they don’t deserve to. I’d be happier to see any of the other three lift it.

I’m hearing we’re not far off from learning the outcome to the 130 charges City have faced. The smart money has got to be on a fudge. Why do I say that? Well - a number of reasons really.

A big clue is Sky telling their pundits to go easy with their thoughts about the judgement. If City were going to get nailed I’m sure they’d be allowed to say what they like but I reckon their anger is going to have to be tempered.

Just as the British govt got deeply involved in the decision to allow the Saudi’s to take over at Newcastle, it’s a certainty they’ll have had something to do with the outcome in this case.

Boris Johnson didn’t want to piss MBS off - and Starmer can’t afford to fall out with the Emeratis. I might be wrong, but I don’t think so. 

Speaking of Newcastle - what a turnout they had to celebrate their Carabao Cup win. Top class. I saw Alan Shearer front and centre again, despite the fact he had nothing to do with the success. I had to wonder if he still thinks ‘medals don’t buy shoppin’? That was always his excuse for turning his back on United and a trophy haul that would’ve inevitably followed had he gone to OT. There’s no feeling to replace that of winning - even second hand it seems. 

I’ve also seen enough of those professional Geordies Ant and Dec to last a lifetime. Tell me - where do they live on Tyneside?

Thomas Tuchel made a solid start, but he had to didn’t he? Even Safegate would’ve pissed those two games. I liked what I saw though - and what I heard even more.

Tuchel is a winner. He’s right about the Safegate era. Too often England were scared. And ultimately Safegate’s timid approach cost them.

Tuchel doesn’t give a toss about the future. He is a ‘now’ man. He knows by winning the WC he’ll elevate English football to the next level and the next generation he might spurn now, will eventually find a way. I’m with him. And for the first time since Bobby Robson went close I really do think England can win the WC. 

‘Sieg Heil’ eh ‘Arry? Hilarious. How does this man get away with it? Even the great David Walsh let himself down at the weekend defending Redknapp. There isn’t a defence. None. 

 ‘Arry knows why he didn’t get the England job. The FA simply couldn’t take the risk. As well as insulting Tuchel I see he’s still making money and jokes about the tax case though so allow me. I heard he made £2m from recent book sales. After tax? £2m.