* 18/02/2026
* 20:56
* Modified: 18/02/2026
**Nigel Clough has insisted that Arsenal are of “absolutely zero interest” to him right now, despite the glamour of an FA Cup fifth-round tie awaiting his Mansfield Town side.**
The Stags boss was [speaking after a 1-0 League One defeat](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cewzgggxdz1o) at Blackpool, a result that leaves Mansfield six points clear of the relegation zone. While the draw has paired them with Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders at Field Mill in early March, Clough’s focus could not have been clearer.
> “It’s of absolutely zero interest to me at the moment,” he said. “It’s just winning points. We need to get back to clean sheets.”
For supporters, the visit of Arsenal represents one of the biggest occasions in the club’s modern history. Mansfield have not reached the fifth round since 1975, and this season’s run has already delivered a string of memorable nights.
Their campaign began with a 3-2 victory over Harrogate Town at Field Mill, before edging past Accrington Stanley on penalties after a 2-2 draw at the Crown Ground. The third round produced a stunning 4-3 win away to Sheffield United, a tie packed with drama at Bramall Lane, and they followed that up with a superb 2-1 triumph at Burnley in round four.
That victory at Turf Moor, secured by goals from Rhys Oates and Louis Reed, was widely regarded as one of the competition’s biggest shocks. It also set up the marquee clash with Arsenal, a fixture that will draw national attention to Nottinghamshire.
Yet Clough is not entertaining any romantic narratives. He believes 40 points will bring his side closer to safety in League One and has openly admitted that defensive resilience must return if they are to reach that target. Reflecting on the Blackpool defeat, he added that he was “very disappointed” with the goal conceded and suggested a return to “boring 0-0s” might be necessary to steady the ship.
That mindset underlines why Clough’s comments have landed with such force. In an era where cup runs are often framed as distractions or opportunities for financial gain, his refusal to engage with the Arsenal narrative speaks to a manager shaped by long-term realities rather than short-term headlines.
Mansfield’s [League One](https://thedeck.news/league-one-table/) position remains fragile, and while six points clear offers a buffer, it is not one Clough appears comfortable relying on. His repeated emphasis on clean sheets, structure, and incremental progress reflects a belief that momentum in the league ultimately matters more than one night under the lights, regardless of the opponent.