For Arsenal, it was uncomfortable and at times tense, but but they edged their way past League One minnows Mansfield Town 2-1 thanks to impressive goals from Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. Whilst Mikel Arteta’s side were tested throughout by Mansfield, Liam Rosenior and Chelsea nearly became the latest chapter in Wrexham’s remarkable rise. They trailed twice to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s side but forced extra-time through Josh Acheampong’s equaliser, before Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro both found the net, shortly after the Championship side were reduced to ten men. Meanwhile, Manchester City, Southampton, Liverpool and Leeds United overcame Newcastle United, Fulham, Wolves and Norwich City respectively to progress.

Amongst the Premier League giants, Port Vale, who are bottom of League One, caused the biggest upset by stunning Sunderland to reach the last eight. Later on this evening, West Ham face Brentford for the final spot in the quarter-finals. Just before Nuno Espirito Santo’s team squares off against Keith Andrews’ squad tonight, the FA Cup quarter-final draw will be finalised. Prior to tonight’s proceedings, Express Sport utilised a knockout stage simulator to envisage potential match-ups and the results were intriguing.

Liverpool were handed an attention-grabbing home fixture against Port Vale. This would be the dream scenario for Arne Slot, as the FA Cup may be his side’s most realistic hope of winning a trophy. The Reds’ disastrous Premier League title defence has left them in an ominously tight battle for the Champions League qualification places. Should they fail to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, an FA Cup victory would go some way to salvaging a disappointing campaign.

By chance, Arsenal were drawn to face City on Manchester’s blue side. The Gunners are already set to confront the Cityzens in the League Cup final on 22nd March and potentially a title decider on 19th April. If Arteta and Guardiola’s teams are matched in the last-eight, they would have to compete on the weekend of 4-5 April, right between the Wembley showdown and the potentially decisive Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium. Furthermore, Chelsea were drawn to play Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.

On paper, it appears a favourable draw, but Tonda Eckert’s team’s victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage marked their tenth consecutive match without defeat. They did not perform like a team that only secured two wins from their 38 Premier League games last season.

Given the challenge Chelsea faced against Wrexham, Rosenior would not be prematurely celebrating ahead of the South Coast trip. Meanwhile, either West Ham or Brentford would host Leeds for a spot at Wembley Stadium in the semi-finals.

Simulated FA Cup quarter-final draw in full: