Arsenal Football Club progressed to the quarter-finals of the Football Association Challenge Cup after defeating Mansfield Town Football Club 2–1 in a competitive match on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at One Call Stadium in Mansfield, central England.
The English Premier League leaders had to overcome a determined effort from the third-tier side before securing victory and keeping alive their hopes of winning four trophies this season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta rotated his squad heavily for the fixture, making nine changes to the team that defeated Brighton and Hove Albion earlier in the week in the Premier League. That league win had extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of England’s top division to seven points.
Despite controlling possession early in the match, Arsenal faced resistance from Mansfield, who had already produced a surprise result in the previous round by eliminating Burnley Football Club, a team from the Premier League.
Mansfield gradually grew into the game after the opening minutes and began to create chances. Rhys Oates troubled Arsenal’s defence with his movement, while Tyler Roberts came close with a powerful shot from distance that drifted just wide.
Arsenal finally went ahead in the 41st minute when winger Noni Madueke scored. Mansfield goalkeeper Liam Roberts initially saved Madueke’s attempt, but Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli recovered the ball and set up the England winger again near the edge of the penalty area.
Madueke then curled a left-footed shot beyond Roberts to give the visitors the lead. The goal also meant Arsenal became the first Premier League club to reach 100 goals in all competitions this season.
Mansfield equalised shortly after the second half began. Substitute Will Evans took advantage of a poor pass from Arsenal teenager Marli Salmon and finished calmly past Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The equaliser opened up the game as both teams pushed forward and created further chances.
Arsenal regained the lead in the 66th minute when substitute Eberechi Eze struck from the edge of the penalty area to score what proved to be the winning goal.
Although Mansfield continued to press for another equaliser in the closing stages, Arsenal managed to hold on and secure their place in the last eight of the competition.
The match also saw two teenagers feature in Arsenal’s starting lineup. Max Dowman became the club’s youngest FA Cup player after starting at 16 years and 66 days old, while Marli Salmon, also aged 16, was included in the team as Arteta rotated his squad.
Arsenal’s most recent FA Cup victory came in 2020 during Arteta’s first season in charge of the London club, and it remains his only major trophy with the team.
This season, however, Arsenal are competing strongly on several fronts. They lead the Premier League by seven points ahead of Manchester City Football Club with eight matches left in the campaign.
The London club will also face German side Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the first leg of the Union of European Football Associations Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday. Arsenal are also scheduled to play Manchester City in the English Football League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 22, 2026.