Arsenal progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2020 with victory over Mansfield Town, but the Gunners had to work hard after a huge scare saw the League One side equalise
Neil Docking
14:46, 07 Mar 2026Updated 14:50, 07 Mar 2026
Arsenal
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Arsenal have reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2020 with a hard-fought triumph over Mansfield Town.
It was far from a simple assignment and the League One hosts provided an admirable showing and could have produced a huge upset. Mikel Arteta made numerous changes as anticipated and left many observers speculating about his intended formation for the encounter. It concluded as a back three formation, though the system was hardly flawless, with many of the stars given the chance to impress failing to take that opportunity.
When Leandro Trossard departed through injury, Piero Hincapie restructured the back four. Moments afterwards, the Gunners seized the advantage through Noni Madueke, bending a strike into the top right corner. Nevertheless, defensive anxiety from Marli Salmon proved costly as Will Evans made it 1-1. Eberechi Eze fortunately entered during the second period to find the net and guide the Gunners into the quarter-finals. Here's all the Arsenalplayer ratings courtesy of Football London.
Leandro Trossard goes down injured in Arsenal's FA Cup clash with Mansfield Town
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Leandro Trossard goes down injured in Arsenal's FA Cup clash with Mansfield Town
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Starting XI
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Compelled into several early interventions during the match around the Arsenal penalty area. Ought to have performed better for the equaliser, with the ball sneaking past the Spaniard. 5.
Marli Salmon – Arteta's choice to deploy a back three placed considerable responsibility on the 16-year-old's shoulders. May face some criticism for the pass to Mosquera, but fundamentally, it was his senior colleague who bore greater blame. 6.
Cristhian Mosquera – Was lunging about carelessly with the vast amount of territory he was required to patrol in the back three formation. He was certainly culpable for the hosts' leveller, dithering and enabling Will Evans to take control and find the net. 5.
Riccardo Calafiori – Compelled into several aerial battles, which he managed well to claim, and certainly enjoyed his customary freedom to venture forward. Departed the pitch with a possible hamstring problem, which only compounds the selection headaches for Mikel Arteta. 7.
Noni Madueke opened the scoring for Arsenal against Mansfield in the FA Cup
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Noni Madueke opened the scoring for Arsenal against Mansfield in the FA Cup(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Noni Madueke – Despite clearly having the measure of his opponent, the winger produced several wayward right-footed efforts which drifted wide harmlessly. He atoned for his earlier errors, though, with a fine strike that nestled in the top right corner. 8.
Max Dowman – Major early opportunity for the 16 year old after being presented with the ball by Liam Roberts, he surged towards goal before drawing a stop from the goalkeeper. Compelled another save from close quarters following a delivery from the left flank.
After the interval it was more of the same, an excellent opening shortly after the equaliser, weaving through the Mansfield rearguard and troubling the keeper with an attempt. Was positioned perfectly to collect the ball from Madueke on a swift break but opted for the unselfish choice and Jesus ought to have converted. 8.
Christian Norgaard – Positioned in front of the back three, and stepping in when required. Assisted Eze for the Gunners' second goal. 6.
Max Dowman impressed for Arsenal versus Mansfield
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Max Dowman impressed for Arsenal versus Mansfield(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Kai Havertz – Enjoyed a flexible midfield role where he dropped deep at times before then appearing even further forward than Gabriel Jesus at times. He didn't manage to significantly influence the game, however, and was substituted around the 60th minute. 6.
Gabriel Martinelli – Had an opportunity to put the Gunners ahead with his left foot, but fired a shot directly at Roberts. Wisely chose to pass to Madueke in the box rather than shooting for the opening goal. 7.
Leandro Trossard – Positioned himself in the box on the right-hand side within the first 25 minutes, but sent his shot over the bar. Had to be substituted before half-time due to an injury. 5.
Gabriel Jesus – Contributed very little in the first half, and saw little of the ball. After being set up by Dowman, Jesus's poked shot was headed off the line. 5.
Substitutes
Eberechi Eze scored a stunning second goal for Arsenal against Mansfield
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Eberechi Eze scored a stunning second goal for Arsenal against Mansfield(Image: Getty Images)
Piero Hincapie – Entered the fray in the first half, which then reshaped the formation into the usual back four. Struggled somewhat physically but battled well, the frustration will be the lack of rest he has been given, especially with Calafiori sustaining an injury. 6.
Eberechi Eze – Made an immediate impact from the bench, receiving the ball on the edge of the box before turning, holding off his man and firing the ball past the keeper. 7.
Jurrien Timber – Demonstrated the gap between a novice and an experienced senior player, enhancing the performance on the right side of the defence. 7.
Jaden Dixon – A maiden senior outing for the young defender, who joined from Stoke City in January. Impressed during his brief spell on the pitch, making a few neat passes. 6.
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Bukayo Saka – Had an opportunity to wrap things up late in the game and drew a save with the keeper's leg after shifting the ball onto his left foot. 6.