Eberechi Eze scored a powerful goal to help Arsenal narrowly defeat Mansfield Town 2-1, securing their place in the FA Cup quarterfinals and keeping their quest for a quadruple alive.
The Premier League leaders faced the 16th-place team from League One on Saturday, marking the first matchup between the clubs in 97 years, with Mansfield appearing in the fifth round for the first time since 1975.
A late first-half goal from Noni Madueke gave Arsenal the lead, but Mansfield’s resilience showed when Will Evans, who came on at halftime, equalized by taking advantage of defensive errors.
Despite Mansfield’s spirited effort and hopes for a major upset, it was Eze who ultimately sealed the win for Arsenal, replicating his goal-scoring form from his time at Crystal Palace when they won the FA Cup last season. He fired an impressive shot into the top corner shortly after coming on in the second half, propelling Arsenal to their first quarterfinal appearance since their 2020 triumph – which remains the only trophy of Arteta’s management.
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Arteta made nine adjustments to his lineup for what appeared to be a straightforward challenge amidst a demanding fixture schedule.
Among the starters was Marli Salmon, marking the day when fellow 16-year-old Max Dowman became Arsenal’s youngest FA Cup player, though he was thwarted by a fine save from Liam Roberts in front of a packed One Call Stadium.
Cristhian Mosquera saw a shot deflect over the bar moments later, but Mansfield responded well, with Arsenal struggling in a makeshift back three.
Louis Reed had a low effort saved, and the lively Rhys Oates went narrowly wide, while Tyler Roberts almost scored with a long-range dipping shot from outside the box.
However, Arsenal quelled Mansfield’s momentum just as the hosts were gaining confidence, with Madueke striking the post directly from a corner before Dowman was denied again.
After Leandro Trossard had to leave the match due to injury, Arsenal switched to a back four, maintaining their lead into halftime.
Madueke’s stunning 25-yard attempt was parried by Roberts, setting up Gabriel Martinelli to assist him, allowing Madueke to find the top corner from just inside the area in the 41st minute.
Mansfield could have easily been left deflated, but they remained determined, with Evans making an impact shortly after halftime.
As Mosquera hesitated while dealing with a pass from the teenager Salmon on the uneven pitch, Evans seized his moment, darting past the defender to unleash a low left-footed shot past Kepa Arrizabalaga, igniting a celebration among the home fans.
Arsenal nearly regained the lead immediately, but Roberts denied the talented Dowman, with Kyle Knoyle clearing the danger off the line following a counter-attack that resulted in a shot from Gabriel Jesus.
Yet the London club would not be held back for long, as Arteta’s double substitution in the 62nd minute proved effective within just four minutes.
Introducing Eze was pivotal; he created space on the edge of the box and smashed a strike into the top right corner, delivering a blow that Mansfield struggled to recover from.
Jaden Dixon came on for his debut in place of the injured Riccardo Calafiori, while Dowman was replaced by standout player Bukayo Saka, who was also denied by a brilliant save from Roberts.
Both teams continued to push until the final whistle, but Mansfield was unable to find another equalizer.