Arsenal Edges Past Mansfield Town in FA Cup Thriller
“It was a proper FA Cup game. Credit to Mansfield, the stadium, the atmosphere, the fans created a bit of banter,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after his team’s narrow victory over Mansfield Town in the FA Cup on March 7, 2026.
In a match that marked the first time these two teams faced each other in 97 years, Arsenal emerged victorious with a score of 2-1. The game took place at the sold-out One Call Stadium in Mansfield, where the home fans created an electric atmosphere.
Arsenal took the lead in the 41st minute through Noni Madueke, who scored the opening goal, setting the stage for a competitive second half. However, Will Evans equalized for Mansfield shortly after the break, demonstrating the home side’s determination to make it a challenging encounter for the Premier League giants.
Despite the setback, Arsenal regained control of the match when Eberechi Eze found space on the edge of the box and fired in a stunning winner in the 66th minute. This goal not only secured the victory but also propelled Arsenal into the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since their triumph in 2020.
Arteta made nine changes to his starting lineup compared to their previous match against Brighton, showcasing the depth of his squad. Among the notable performances was that of Max Dowman, who became Arsenal’s youngest ever FA Cup player at just 16 years and 66 days old.
Throughout the match, Arsenal maintained a slight edge in terms of offensive pressure, registering 11 shots in the first half compared to Mansfield’s 8. The victory keeps Arsenal’s hopes of a quadruple alive, as they continue to compete on multiple fronts this season.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will resume their Champions League campaign against Bayer Leverkusen and will also face Everton in the Premier League next. The FA Cup quarter-final draw is scheduled for the following Monday, where Arsenal will learn their next opponent in the prestigious tournament.