The FA Cup third round weekend is nearly complete, and it has delivered a thrilling, VAR-free showcase of high-quality, end-to-end football. The round was packed with dramatic upsets and unexpected twists.

The biggest story of the weekend is undoubtedly the stunning elimination of the defending champions by a non-league side, guaranteeing that a new winner will be crowned in May.

Crystal Palace endured the most shocking defeat in FA Cup history, as the reigning champions were knocked out at the first hurdle by Macclesfield, a team from the sixth tier of English football. This marks the worst title defense in the competition’s 155-year history. Just last season, Palace pulled off a sensational upset in the final, defeating favorites Manchester City to claim their first-ever major trophy. However, their historic achievement has been overshadowed by this unprecedented early exit.

Elsewhere, 13-time winners Manchester United suffered a home defeat to Brighton & Hove...