MANSFIELD, England : Arsenal FC survived a major scare before defeating Mansfield Town 2–1 in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, with a stunning goal from Eberechi Eze sealing their place in the quarter-finals. ⚽
Playing at Field Mill in Mansfield, Arsenal took the lead just before halftime when Noni Madueke curled a powerful shot into the far corner, marking the club’s 100th goal of the season in all competitions.
However, the third-tier hosts responded early in the second half when substitute Will Evans equalised for Mansfield after coming on, energising the home crowd and putting the Premier League leaders under pressure.
Arsenal eventually regained control in the 66th minute when Eze unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box to restore the lead and secure victory.
Manager Mikel Arteta fielded a heavily rotated squad, including teenagers Max Dowman and Marli Salmon. Dowman, aged 16, became Arsenal’s youngest-ever FA Cup player, as the club became the first Premier League side to start a competitive match with two players aged 16 or under.
Despite Mansfield’s spirited performance under manager Nigel Clough, Arsenal advanced to the last eight and kept their hopes of winning multiple trophies this season alive.
