Premier League leaders Arsenal survived a tense FA Cup fifth-round clash to defeat Mansfield Town 2‑1 at the One Call Stadium on Saturday.
Manager Mikel Arteta surprised many by setting up his side in a back three and handing starting spots to two 16-year-olds, Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, as part of a rotated lineup ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Despite the inexperienced lineup, Arsenal took the lead just before half-time through Noni Madueke, only to be pegged back by Will Evans five minutes after the break.
The deciding moment came when substitute Eberechi Eze fired a stunning strike past goalkeeper Liam Roberts, securing Arsenal’s place in Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final draw.
The hosts pushed hard for a late equalizer but couldn’t find a second goal, leaving the Gunners to advance.