Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough admitted last night's FA Cup draw could not have been any harder as Stags landed a fifth round home tie with 14-times winners and Premier League leaders Arsenal.
But he said it was a brilliant tie for supporters and his players and he was happy to be at home for the game, which will take place on the weekend of 7th-8th March.
“It doesn't get any harder than facing top of the Premier League and champions-elect,” said Clough.
“But it's nice to be at home and I think it will be one for the supporters to savour and remember for many years to come.
Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match against Burnley FC at Turf Moor, 14 Feb 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.mediaplaceholder image
Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match against Burnley FC at Turf Moor, 14 Feb 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media
“After the victory at Burnley everybody hoped for one of the big boys, though we were hoping for a slightly more winnable tie.
“Obviously I would think it will be on television and a big occasion for the town and the club.
“I never watch the draw so I heard about it a little bit afterwards when the messages started coming through, though no one was telling me if we were home or away!
“So I was quite relieved to be at home, though I am sure, financially, it would have been a much better prospect away from home.
“It is a brilliant tie for the players and they will be looking forward to it incredibly.
“But we can't lose focus on how important the league games are around it.
“We probably need four more wins to ensure we are competing in League One again next season.
“That is the priority and we will then enjoy Arsenal when it comes around.”
Mikel Arteta's men are still fighting on four fronts this season and are currently four points clear at the top of the table.
The clubs have only ever clashed once before and that was in the FA Cup fourth round back in January 1929 when the Gunners won 2-0 at Highbury against a Mansfield side on their way to the Midland Counties League title and having disposed of Wolves away in the previous round.
Stags came from behind to win 2-1 at Turf Moor on Saturday to beat a Premier League side in the competition for the first time and make round five for only the fifth time in the club's history and the first time since 1975.
To reach the quarter-finals for only the second time for Stags this is now the toughest test they could have faced.
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