Premier League leaders Arsenal made history on Saturday afternoon by naming two 16-year-olds, Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, in their starting lineup during the victory over Mansfield Town in the FA Cup.
Despite making several changes to the starting lineup, the Gunners secured a 2–1 victory to advance to the next round of the tournament.
Goals from Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze sealed the win for the Gunners, overcoming a spirited challenge from the League One side.
Manager Mikel Arteta rotated his squad heavily for the cup encounter, making nine changes to the team that secured a narrow 1–0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion midweek.
Only Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli and summer signing Cristhian Mosquera retained their places in the starting XI from the win at the Falmer Stadium.
Arteta also handed rare starting opportunities to academy prospects Dowman and Salmon, with both youngsters included from the outset against Mansfield.
According to data from Opta Joe, the selection marked a historic milestone, as Arsenal became the first Premier League side to start a competitive match with two players aged 16 or under in any competition.
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Max Dowman of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Youth League 2025/26 match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Meadow Park on November 26, 2025 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)
Dowman, who recently returned from injury, operated in attack alongside the Brazilian pair of Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
The teenager had previously featured for Arsenal in the club’s UEFA Champions League clash against Slavia Prague in November.
His inclusion in the FA Cup tie also saw him set another club record, becoming Arsenal’s youngest-ever FA Cup starter at just 16 years and 66 days.
MANSFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Marli Salmon of Arsenal inspects the pitch prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Mansfield Town and Arsenal at One Call Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Mansfield, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
At the back, Salmon slotted into the defensive line alongside Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori.
The young defender impressed with his composure and defensive awareness, helping the Gunners maintain a clean sheet against their determined hosts.
The victory saw Arsenal advance to the next round of the FA Cup, keeping their pursuit of a historic quadruple alive this season.