Arsenal secured a 2–1 victory over Mansfield Town to progress to the next round of the FA Cup. The opening goal came in the 41st minute when Noni Madueke found the net following an assist from Gabriel Martinelli. The strike was particularly significant as it marked Arsenal’s 100th goal of the season across all competitions.
Madueke, who has not started regularly for Arsenal in recent matches, delivered an important contribution, with his previous goal also coming in the FA Cup earlier in the campaign.
Softfootball had earlier reported the pre-match social media banter involving Mansfield Town, whose X account posted an image showing a player’s leg near the corner flag, interpreted by many as a playful jab at Arsenal’s reputation for scoring from set pieces.
Mansfield responded early in the second half. In the 50th minute, Will Evans equalised for the home side. The goal appeared preventable, with Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga possibly able to do more to stop the effort.
Arsenal regained control in the 66th minute when Eberechi Eze struck a powerful shot to restore the lead, assisted by Christian Nørgaard. The goal ultimately proved decisive and quieted the Mansfield crowd.
The match also saw several disciplinary actions. Arsenal players Riccardo Calafiori and Eze both received yellow cards in the 70th and 74th minutes respectively.
On the Mansfield side, Louis Reed was booked in the 60th minute, followed by yellow cards for Lucas Akins in the 77th minute, Stephen McLaughlin in the 80th minute, and Aaron Lewis in stoppage time.
Arsenal ultimately held on for the 2–1 victory, with manager Mikel Arteta also praising young talent Max Dowman after his historic FA Cup debut during the match. The result keeps Arsenal’s hopes alive in the FA Cup as they continue competing on multiple fronts this season.
