Arsenal secured a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals after a 2-1 victory against League One side Mansfield Town on March 7, 2026. Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze scored for the Gunners, while Will Evans netted Mansfield's equalizer. The match highlighted Arsenal's resilience despite injuries and a challenging atmosphere.
The FA Cup fifth-round clash at Field Mill pitted Premier League leaders Arsenal against struggling Mansfield Town, who had not won in nine league matches. Kick-off was at 12:15 GMT, with Arsenal fielding a rotated squad including Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, alongside players like Marli Salmon, Yerson Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Christian Norgaard, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, Max Dowman, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal took the lead in the 41st minute through Noni Madueke. After an initial shot was saved, Gabriel Martinelli teed up the winger for a curling left-footed finish into the top corner. However, Leandro Trossard was forced off earlier with a calf injury, replaced by Piero Hincapie.
Mansfield leveled the score in the 50th minute when substitute Will Evans intercepted a loose back pass from Marli Salmon, evaded Mosquera, and finished past Arrizabalaga. The home side, starting with Liam Roberts in goal and forwards like Rhys Oates, pressed hard, creating several chances.
Arsenal regained the lead midway through the second half via Eberechi Eze, who collected a pass from Norgaard outside the area and struck a powerful shot into the top corner. Late on, Mansfield's Oliver Irow headed close, but Arrizabalaga saved to preserve the win. Riccardo Calafiori also suffered an injury during the match.
Mikel Arteta praised the 'proper FA Cup game,' crediting Mansfield's atmosphere and effort. 'Credit to Mansfield, the stadium, the atmosphere that the fans created,' he said. 'You have to be much more ruthless in front of goal than we were today.' Arteta noted the inclusion of two 16-year-olds and Arsenal's multi-front campaign, keeping them in contention for a quadruple. The quarter-final draw occurs on Monday.
