The FA Cup once again served up its tantalizing mix of excitement and unpredictability, as Manchester City barely dodged a near-upset with a 2-1 win over third-tier Leyton Orient. The match kicked into high gear quickly when Jamie Donley startled the City defense with a thunderous strike in the 16th minute. This long-range attempt deflected off goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, putting Leyton Orient in an unexpected lead and adding a sense of drama early in the game.

But the Premier League giants didn't back down. It took City until the 56th minute to draw level, thanks to Abdukodir Khusanov. His goal came about in a rather fortuitous manner when teammate Rico Lewis' shot deflected off Khusanov's leg, trickling past the keeper to even the score.

Enter Kevin De Bruyne, City's trusty midfielder, who stepped up to save the day. He converted a pass from substitute Phil Foden with a typically clinical finish in the 79th minute, restoring order and ensuring City's progression to the next stage of the competition. Jack Grealish's decisive pass just before the assist from Foden was another crucial piece in City's comeback puzzle.

Though Leyton Orient's captain Dan Happe had a chance to equalize towards the end, his miss was a reminder of the fine margins that define football. This clash emphasized the essence of the FA Cup: a stage where lower-league teams can push some of the world's best to their limits.

The drama wasn't confined to just this matchup. Over at Millwall, Leeds United fell 2-0 in another surprise, underlining the unpredictable nature of the competition. Meanwhile, Preston North End kept fans on the edge of their seats as they snatched victory over Wycombe Wanderers via penalties.

Looking ahead, the FA Cup fourth round promises more thrilling encounters. Matches such as Chelsea versus Brighton and Liverpool against Plymouth Argyle are already buzzing with anticipation. Manchester United's upcoming tussle with Leicester City also looms large on the fan radar, proving once more that in the FA Cup, anything can happen.