Arsenal survived a major scare to defeat Mansfield Town and book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, thanks to a decisive strike from Eberechi Eze.
The Premier League leaders were pushed to the limit by the determined League One side before their substitutes eventually made the difference in a tense fifth-round clash.
Madueke opens the scoring
Despite dominating possession early on, Arsenal found it difficult to break down Mansfield’s resistance. The hosts created a number of threatening moments and forced several saves from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The breakthrough finally came just before half-time when Noni Madueke produced a moment of quality. After receiving a pass from Gabriel Martinelli on the edge of the box, Madueke curled a brilliant effort into the top corner. Earlier in the half, the winger had already tested Mansfield goalkeeper Liam Roberts with a powerful strike.
Mansfield fight back
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta handed opportunities to two young prospects, including 16-year-old Max Dowman, who made history by becoming the youngest player to start an FA Cup match for the club at just 16 years and 66 days old.
Mansfield responded strongly after the break and found an equaliser through substitute Will Evans. The goal came after youngster Marli Salmon attempted a pass toward Cristhian Mosquera but fell short, allowing Evans to seize the opportunity and finish calmly past Arrizabalaga.
The underdogs continued to threaten, with Rhys Oates and Louis Reed forcing further saves, while Tyler Roberts fired narrowly wide during Mansfield’s most dangerous spell.
Eze seals the win
With the match finely balanced, Arteta turned to his bench, introducing Eze and Jurrien Timber to regain control.
The change proved decisive in the 66th minute when Eze unleashed a powerful strike into the roof of the net, restoring Arsenal’s lead and ultimately sealing their passage into the next round.
The victory sends Arsenal into the final eight of the FA Cup and keeps alive hopes of a historic quadruple, while also marking the club’s first appearance in the competition’s quarter-finals since lifting the trophy in 2020. ⚽
