Eberechi Eze scored the winning goal in a match that proved a real test for Arsenal, who overcame Mansfield Town in the fifth round of the 2026 FA Cup.
The home side, just five points above the relegation zone in the Championship, put the Premier League leaders under considerable pressure before Noni Madueke gave Arsenal the lead just before halftime.
Mikel Arteta fielded two 16-year-olds in his starting lineup, with Marley Salomon making his first start for the club, while Max Doman became the youngest player to start an FA Cup match in Gunners history at 16 years and 66 days old.
Salomon was at fault for Mansfield’s equalizer when his pass to Cristian Mosquera was short, allowing substitute Will Evans to pounce and slot the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
🔥 عودة التقدم للمدفعجية!
🎯 إيبيريشي إيزي يسجل هدفاً رائعاً لـ آرسنال.#كأس_الاتحاد_الإنجليزي#FACup pic.twitter.com/ZwSyfA3B3r
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) March 7, 2026
Arteta then brought on Eberechi Eze and Yorjan Timber from the bench to avoid any cup upsets, and Eze made no mistake, unleashing a powerful shot into the roof of the net in the 66th minute, securing Arsenal’s place in the competition.
With this victory, Arsenal keeps their hopes of a historic quadruple alive and also secures their place in the quarterfinals for the first time since winning the title in Arteta’s first season in charge in 2020.
It’s worth noting that Arsenal currently leads the Premier League by seven points over Manchester City and will face Pep Guardiola’s side in the Carabao Cup final. They also have a Champions League Round of 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen.
