Arsenal began the defense of its F.A. Cup title with a 3-1 comeback victory against visiting Sunderland in the third round of the tournament on Saturday, while Manchester City defeated host Norwich, 3-0, and Manchester United beat Sheffield United, 1-0. Aston Villa of the Premier League was held to 1-1 draw at the fourth-tier club Wycombe, while Eastleigh of England’s fifth-tier league tied, 1-1, with the second-division club Bolton.
It looked as if there might be a shock at Emirates Stadium in London, where Arsenal, the Premier League leader, fell behind when Jermaine Lens struck after 17 minutes for Sunderland, which is second-to-last in the Premier League.