Oxford spring biggest surprise of the FA Cup third round

Premier League Swansea loses to lower league opposition while Liverpool and others face replays

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(Image credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Premier League strugglers Swansea City were the biggest casualties of the FA Cup third round as they were knocked out by League Two high-flyers Oxford United.

The Us came from behind to win 3-2 at the Kassam Stadium and manager Michael Appleton, a former Manchester United trainee who played just once at Old Trafford, said he would like a trip to his old club in the next round.

Although Swansea were the only team to lose to lower league opposition over the weekend, they could yet be joined by some other big names as Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Brom all face replays against teams below them.

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The Reds were held to a 2-2 draw by Exeter City, who now have the chance to take on Jurgen Klopp's men at Anfield, while bottom club Aston Villa face an unwanted replay against Wycombe Wanderers and West Brom have a tough trip to Ashton Gate after a 2-2 draw with Bristol City.

There were five all-Premier League clashes, three of which involved the top four sides. Leaders Arsenal fielded a strong side at the Emirates as they saw off Sunderland and third-placed Manchester City overcame Norwich in a match in which striker Sergio Aguero showed flashes of his best form. But the battle between Spurs and Leicester, fourth and second in the table respectively, ended in a 2-2 draw.

League form was reflected in the other two ties as Southampton were beaten at home by seventh-placed Crystal Palace and Watford, in ninth, saw off relegation-threatened Newcastle.

Those results mean 15 Premier League sides will be in the draw for the fourth round, although no more than 14 will be taking part.

Other notable results included non-league Eastleigh's draw with Bolton of the Championship and Shrewsbury's victory over Cardiff City.

The draw for the fourth round will take place on BBC1 at 7.15pm this evening.

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