Eberechi Eze scored the winning goal as Arsenal overcame a determined Mansfield Town 2-1 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals, keeping their quadruple hopes alive.
Arsenal booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals after overcoming a determined challenge from Mansfield Town in a hard-fought 2-1 victory. The Premier League leaders were pushed all the way by their League One opponents before a decisive strike from Eberechi Eze ensured their progression.
Into the last-eight 🙌 pic.twitter.com/izD4idGruC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 7, 2026
The hosts, who are battling near the relegation zone in League One, started with confidence and caused Arsenal several problems. Despite the pressure, the Gunners eventually found the breakthrough shortly before half-time through Noni Madueke.
Madueke had earlier forced Mansfield goalkeeper Liam Roberts into a save with a strong effort. The goalkeeper spilled the ball and from the resulting pass, the England winger eventually curled a superb shot into the top corner.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also handed opportunities to two teenage prospects. Sixteen-year-olds Marli Salmon and Max Dowman both started the match, with Dowman becoming the youngest player to start an FA Cup game for the club at just 16 years and 66 days old.
Mansfield drew level after the interval following a mistake in midfield. Salmon’s attempted pass to Cristhian Mosquera fell short, allowing substitute Will Evans to capitalize and finish past goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to spark hopes of a major upset.
Sensing the danger, Arteta turned to his bench and introduced Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber to restore control. The change paid off when Eze fired a powerful shot high into the net in the 66th minute, ultimately proving to be the match-winning goal.
Despite the defeat, Mansfield produced a spirited performance and created several chances, with Arrizabalaga forced into key saves from Rhys Oates and Louis Reed. The victory keeps Arsenal’s hopes of an historic quadruple alive and marks their first FA Cup quarter-final appearance since lifting the trophy in 2020.
