Arsenal’s experimental side beat Mansfield 2–1 in FA Cup

Arsenal F.C. overcame a determined Mansfield Town FC 2–1 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal as Arsenal were pushed hard by their League One opponents before eventually securing victory.

The hosts, who sit just five points above the relegation zone in EFL League One, piled early pressure on the Premier League leaders and produced an energetic display that troubled the visitors.

According to the BBC, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta named an experimental side, setting up his team in a back three and including two 16-year-olds in the starting line-up.

Noni Madueke opened the scoring for Arsenal just before half-time after an impressive attacking move. The winger had earlier forced goalkeeper Liam Roberts into a save before curling a fine shot into the top corner after being set up by Gabriel Martinelli at the edge of the box.

Despite falling behind, Mansfield continued to threaten. Kepa Arrizabalaga was called into action with key saves from Rhys Oates and Louis Reed, while Tyler Roberts narrowly missed the target with a curling effort.

Mansfield registered 11 shots in the first half, the most Arsenal have faced in the opening 45 minutes of a match in all competitions since April 2022.

Two teenage prospects were handed rare opportunities by Arteta. Marli Salmon made his first start for the club, while Max Dowman became the youngest player to start an FA Cup match for Arsenal at 16 years and 66 days old.

Dowman impressed and created two early chances before Madueke’s opener.

However, Mansfield found an equaliser in the second half when substitute Will Evans capitalised on a misplaced pass from Salmon to finish past Arrizabalaga.

Arteta responded by introducing experienced players Eze and Jurrien Timber from the bench to steady his side.

The change paid off when Eze fired a powerful shot high into the net in the 66th minute, restoring Arsenal’s lead and ultimately securing their progression.

The victory keeps alive Arsenal’s hopes of winning multiple trophies this season and sends the Gunners into the FA Cup quarter-final draw on Monday, marking their first appearance in the last eight since they lifted the trophy in 2020 under Arteta.

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