Eze sends Arsenal past Mansfield into FA Cup quarter-finals

Arsenal survived a major scare to defeat Mansfield Town and secure a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with Eberechi Eze scoring the decisive goal.

The Premier League leaders were pushed hard by the League One side before substitutes proved decisive in a tense fifth-round encounter.

Madueke breaks the deadlock

Arsenal struggled to assert early dominance despite controlling possession. The hosts created several dangerous moments and tested goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on multiple occasions.

The breakthrough finally arrived just before half-time when Noni Madueke curled a superb effort into the top corner after being teed up by Gabriel Martinelli at the edge of the box.

Madueke had earlier forced a save from Mansfield goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

Mansfield hit back

Mikel Arteta handed opportunities to two teenagers, including 16-year-old Max Dowman, who became the youngest player to start an FA Cup match for Arsenal at 16 years and 66 days old.

Another youngster, Marli Salmon, was involved in Mansfield’s equaliser when his pass toward Cristhian Mosquera fell short, allowing substitute Will Evans to finish confidently past Arrizabalaga.

Mansfield continued to threaten, with Rhys Oates and Louis Reed forcing saves while Tyler Roberts fired narrowly wide during an impressive spell from the underdogs.

Eze settles the tie

With the contest finely balanced, Arteta turned to his bench by introducing Eze and Jurrien Timber in search of control.

The change proved decisive in the 66th minute when Eze unleashed a powerful strike high into the net to restore Arsenal’s lead and ultimately secure progression.

The victory sends Arsenal into the final eight of the competition and keeps alive the prospect of a historic quadruple, while marking the club’s first FA Cup quarter-final appearance since lifting the trophy in 2020.