FA Cup
12:15 p.mMarch 7, 2026
Round of 16
One Call Stadium
Referee: Thomas Bramall, England
Town of Mansfield
arsenal
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
176 (73%)
Accurate passes
445 (85%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Liam Roberts
7.3
20
d
Frazer Blake-Tracy
6.7
23
d
Adedeji Oshilaja
6.5
2
d
Kyle Knoyle
7.5
m
Stephen McLaughlin
80′
40
m
George Abbott
6.6
m
Louis Reed (C)
60′
13
m
Jon Russell
7.2
m
Lucas Akins
77′
29
F
Tyler Roberts
6.5
18
F
Rhys Oates
6.9
13
G
Kepa Arrizabalaga
7.5
d
Riccardo Calafiori
70′ Unsportsmanlike conduct
3
d
Christian Mosquera
7.0
89
d
Marli Salmon
6.5
m
Christian Nørgaard
66′ m
Gabriel Martinelli
41′
19
m
Leandro Trossard
6.7
56
m
Max Dowman
7.2
m
You Maduek
41′
9
F
Gabriel Jesus (C)
6.0
29
F
Kai Havertz
7.2
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Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mansfield Town, with Eberechi Eze’s second-half winner proving decisive in the FA Cup.
Arsenal secured a 2-1 win over Mansfield Town in a hard-fought FA Cup third round tie. Eberechi Eze’s crucial second-half goal, minutes after coming on, ultimately decided the game at the One Call Stadium.
This match represented a classic FA Cup ‘David vs Goliath’ scenario. League Two side Mansfield Town welcomed Premier League giants Arsenal, hoping to create a memorable upset at home. Arsenal arrived keen to avoid an early exit against lower league opposition.
From the start, Arsenal asserted their dominance, controlling 67% of possession. His fluid passing movements constantly probed the Mansfield Town defence, but the Stags’ backline held firm. Goalkeeper Liam Roberts made several early saves.
Despite their territorial control and numerous attacks, Arsenal struggled to convert chances. Mansfield’s defensive discipline frustrated the Premier League visitors for much of the opening period. Shots were plentiful but clear chances were limited.
The tie was finally broken in the 41st minute. Noni Madueke, showing quick feet, received a precise pass from Gabriel Martinelli. Madueke then drilled a low shot past Roberts to give Arsenal a deserved lead before the break.
Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough reportedly rallied his players and urged them to show more attacking intent and exploit any complacency from Arsenal. For Arsenal, the focus would be to extend their lead and secure victory.
The Stags responded with remarkable spirit immediately after the break. Just five minutes into the second half, in the 50th minute, striker Will Evans took advantage of a rare Arsenal defensive error. He fired home the equaliser, sending the home crowd wild.
Sensing the shift in momentum, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made key tactical changes. Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz entered the fray in the 62nd minute, injecting fresh energy into Arsenal’s attack. Max Dowman also came on later in the half.
The substitutions paid off almost instantly. Eze, making an immediate impact, collected a pass from Christian Nørgaard in the 66th minute. He then beat a defender before curling a sublime effort into the top corner, restoring Arsenal’s lead.
Mansfield refused to give up, pressing for a second draw. The physical intensity increased, resulting in four yellow cards for the home side in the closing stages. Jon Russell was a standout for Mansfield, picking up 9 tackles.
Arsenal dominated possession with 67%, registering 8 shots on goal from 19 total attempts. Mansfield Town, despite having less possession, managed 4 shots on target in 17 attempts, forcing Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga into 3 saves. Liam Roberts for Mansfield made 5 saves.
Ultimately, Arsenal navigated a tricky FA Cup encounter, showing their depth and resilience. The hard-fought 2-1 win secured their passage to the next round, ending Mansfield’s hopes of a memorable cup.
