Arsenal survive Mansfield scare to reach FA Cup quarter-finals

Arsenal survived a scare to defeat third-tier side Mansfield Town 2–1 on Saturday to book a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and keep their hopes of a historic quadruple alive.

Manager Mikel Arteta made nine changes to the team that beat Brighton & Hove Albion 1–0 in midweek to open a seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Despite the heavy rotation, the League One hosts, who sit just five points above the relegation zone, piled early pressure on the Premier League leaders before Noni Madueke gave Arsenal the lead shortly before half-time.

Mansfield Fight Back After Break

Mansfield responded soon after the restart when substitute Will Evans drew the hosts level, sparking belief among the home supporters.

However, England international Eberechi Eze restored Arsenal’s lead minutes after coming on, smashing home the winner as the game opened up with chances for both sides.

Arteta Praises Mansfield Spirit

“It was a proper FA Cup game, and credit to Mansfield, the stadium and the atmosphere that the fans created,” Arteta told TNT Sports.

“It was a bit of banter, a great atmosphere as well for them to keep pushing the team, and they made it really difficult for us.”

The Spaniard admitted his side needed to be more clinical in front of goal after an uncomfortable afternoon in the East Midlands.

“We had four or five big, open chances that we didn’t convert,” he added. “If that’s the case, then the margin becomes smaller. You give hope to the opposition.

“Obviously, we made a mistake on the goal as well. That cost us the momentum and the belief in them. But overall, I’m happy with the performance.”

The victory keeps alive Arsenal’s hopes of winning a quadruple and secures the Gunners’ place in the last eight of the competition for the first time since lifting the trophy in Arteta’s debut season in 2020.