Arsenal Survive Mansfield Scare to Reach FA Cup Quarter-Finals

Arsenal edge past Mansfield Town 2-1 in a dramatic FA Cup tie as Eberechi Eze’s stunning strike sends the Gunners into the quarter-finals.

Arsenal avoided a major FA Cup upset after battling past Mansfield Town 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals, thanks to a brilliant second-half strike from Eberechi Eze.

A heavily rotated Arsenal side faced serious pressure at One Call Stadium but ultimately found the quality needed to progress, keeping their hopes of silverware alive across multiple competitions.

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Manager Mikel Arteta made nine changes following the midweek Premier League win over Brighton, giving opportunities to several young players in a bold lineup.

The match began with Mansfield showing no fear against their Premier League opponents.

Nigel Clough’s side attacked with confidence and energy, creating numerous chances in the opening half on a difficult pitch that caused problems for both teams.

Arsenal’s lineup made history with two 16-year-olds – Max Dowman and Marli Salmon – starting the match. Dowman, at just 16 years and 66 days, became the youngest player to start an FA Cup game for Arsenal.

Despite Mansfield’s early dominance, the young midfielder showed impressive composure throughout the contest.

Madueke Breaks the Deadlock

Arsenal eventually settled into the game and took the lead just before half-time.

After Gabriel Martinelli forced a save from Mansfield goalkeeper Liam Roberts, the rebound fell perfectly for Noni Madueke.

The winger produced a superb curling finish from the edge of the box, sending the ball into the top corner and giving Arsenal a 1-0 advantage. The strike also marked Arsenal’s 100th goal across all competitions this season.

The home side responded brilliantly after the break.

Just five minutes into the second half, substitute Will Evans capitalised on a defensive mistake, intercepting a short back pass before calmly finishing past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The equaliser sparked wild celebrations among the Mansfield supporters and briefly raised hopes of a giant-killing moment.

Arteta reacted quickly by introducing Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber from the bench.

The change proved decisive.

In the 66th minute, Eze created space outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful strike that flew into the roof of the net, restoring Arsenal’s lead with a moment of pure quality.

Arsenal Hold Firm Under Late Pressure

The closing stages brought more drama.

Bukayo Saka nearly added a third goal after coming off the bench, but Roberts made a superb save to deny him.

Mansfield pushed forward in search of another equaliser, yet Arsenal’s defence held firm to secure a hard-fought victory.

After the match, Arteta praised both the atmosphere and the performances of his young players.

“It was a proper FA Cup game,” he said. “Credit to Mansfield and the supporters because they made it really difficult.”

He also singled out Max Dowman for special praise, highlighting the teenager’s composure and technical ability in a challenging environment.

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