Arsenal overcame a massive scare to defeat Mansfield Town and advance to the FA Cup quarterfinals, with Eberechi Eze scoring the winning goal.

The Premier League leaders were pushed hard by the League One side before substitutions proved the difference in a tight fifth-round match.

Arsenal struggled to establish early dominance despite controlling possession.

The hosts generated numerous scary moments and often challenged goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The breakthrough came shortly before halftime, when Noni Madueke curled a beautiful attempt into the top corner after being set up by Gabriel Martinelli on the edge of the box.

Madueke has already forced a save from Mansfield custodian Liam Roberts.

Mikel Arteta gave two teenagers opportunities, including 16-year-old Max Dowman, who became Arsenal’s youngest player to start an FA Cup match at the age of 16 and 66 days.

Another youngster, Marli Salmon, contributed to Mansfield’s equaliser when his pass to Cristhian Mosquera fell short, allowing substitute Will Evans to calmly score past Arrizabalaga.

Mansfield continued to threaten, with Rhys Oates and Louis Reed forcing saves and Tyler Roberts shooting narrowly wide during an outstanding stretch for the underdogs.

With the battle evenly balanced, Arteta moved to his bench, introducing Eze and Jurrien Timber in pursuit of control.

The change paid off in the 66th minute, as Eze unleashed a thunderous strike high into the net to restore Arsenal’s lead and ultimately secure promotion.

The victory advances Arsenal into the competition’s last eight, keeping the potential of a historic quadruple alive, while also marking the club’s first FA Cup quarter-final appearance since winning the trophy in 2020.

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