Arsenal survived a major scare on Saturday after defeating Mansfield Town 2 to 1 to reach the quarter finals of the FA Cup and remain on course for a historic quadruple this season.
Manager Mikel Arteta rotated his squad heavily for the match, making nine ces to the side that defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 1 to 0 in the Premier League earlier in the week.
Despite the ces Arsenal eventually proved too strong for the League One side, though Mansfield pushed the Premier League leaders throughout an entertaining contest.
The Gunners opened the scoring shortly before half time through Noni Madueke, who curled a left footed effort into the net after receiving a pass from Gabriel Martinelli. The goal marked a milestone for Arsenal as they became the first Premier League team to score 100 goals in all competitions this season.
Mansfield responded strongly after the break when substitute Will Evans capitalised on a defensive error to beat Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and level the match.
The equaliser sparked an open spell with both teams creating chances before substitute Eberechi Eze restored Arsenal’s lead in the 66th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area.
The match also saw a historic moment for the club as teenage midfielder Max Dowman became Arsenal’s youngest ever FA Cup player at just 16 years and 66 days old. Fellow youngster Marli Salmon also started as Arteta gave opportunities to several academy players.
Although Arsenal dominated possession they were pushed hard by Mansfield whose manager Nigel Clough had already guided the team to a shock victory over Burnley in the previous round.
The victory keeps Arsenal on track for multiple trophies this season. The London club currently leads the Premier League by seven points ahead of Manchester City with eight games remaining.
Arteta’s side will next face Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of sixteen tie before meeting Manchester City in the EFL Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on March 22.
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