Arsenal survived a tough challenge from third-tier side Mansfield Town to secure a 2–1 victory on Saturday and advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
The Gunners were pushed hard by the League One outfit but eventually prevailed thanks to a decisive strike from Eberechi Eze, keeping their hopes of a historic quadruple alive this season.
Manager Mikel Arteta made nine changes to the squad that defeated Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the week, a win that extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points ahead of Manchester City.
Despite dominating possession early on, Arsenal found Mansfield difficult to break down. The breakthrough eventually came in the 41st minute when England winger Noni Madueke curled a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Liam Roberts to give the visitors the lead.
The goal marked Arsenal’s 100th goal in all competitions this season, making them the first Premier League team to reach that milestone during the campaign.
Mansfield responded strongly after the break. Substitute Will Evans capitalised on a defensive mistake from youngster Marli Salmon to slot past goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, bringing the home side level.
However, Arsenal regained control in the 66th minute when substitute Eberechi Eze fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box to restore their advantage just minutes after coming on.
Speaking after the match, Arteta praised Mansfield for their performance and acknowledged the challenge posed by the lower-division side.
He admitted his team missed several clear chances, which allowed the hosts to stay in the contest longer than expected.
The match also saw history for Arsenal youngsters, as Max Dowman became the club’s youngest-ever FA Cup player at 16 years and 66 days, while another teenager, Marli Salmon, was also included in the starting lineup.
Arsenal held on in the closing stages to secure their place in the last eight of the competition.
The London club last won the FA Cup in 2020, which remains Arteta’s only major trophy with the team. This season, however, Arsenal remain strong contenders for multiple honours.
They are favourites to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004, will face Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 next week, and are also set to play Manchester City in the EFL Cup Final at Wembley on March 22.
AFP
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