Mansfield vs Arsenal: Eze sends Gunners to FA Cup quarterfinal after six-year absence

Arsenal braved a disastrous pitch to advance to the quarterfinal of the FA Cup for the first time since winning the competition in 2020 after beating Mansfield 2-1.

A goal from substitute Eberechi Eze was enough to give Arsenal safe passage after Will Evans pulled Mansfield level following Noni Madueke's opener.

Arsenal booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over League One side Mansfield Town, with substitute Eberechi Eze scoring the decisive goal.

Mikel Arteta rotated heavily for the tie, making nine changes to the team that beat Brighton, and handed opportunities to 16-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon. Dowman almost made an early impact when Mansfield goalkeeper Liam Roberts gifted him possession, but the keeper recovered to make the save.

Despite Arsenal’s early control, Mansfield responded strongly and created several chances, forcing Kepa Arrizabalaga into action while Rhys Oates and Tyler Roberts also went close. Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock after half an hour when Noni Madueke scored with a powerful first-time strike from 15 yards after good work from Gabriel Martinelli.

The hosts equalised soon after the restart when Will Evans capitalised on a defensive mistake, driving into the box and firing past Arrizabalaga to ignite hopes of another FA Cup upset.

Arsenal regained control and came close through Gabriel Jesus before Arteta introduced Eze from the bench. The midfielder quickly made the difference, twisting past his marker before unleashing a powerful shot into the roof of the net.

Bukayo Saka nearly added a third late on, but Arsenal had already done enough to secure victory and keep their hopes alive of a record-extending 15th FA Cup title.