Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mansfield Town.
Despite being heavy favourites, Mikel Arteta’s side were pushed all the way by their League One opponents in an entertaining contest that saw chances at both ends.
Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock in the 41st minute through Noni Madueke. After neat work from Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank, the winger was picked out on the edge of the area and curled a superb left-footed effort into the top corner to give the visitors the lead before half-time.
Mansfield had created several opportunities of their own during the opening period and their persistence was rewarded shortly after the restart.
Substitute Will Evans capitalised on a defensive mistake, intercepting a loose back pass from Marli Salmon before evading Yerson Mosquera and finishing past goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to level the match in the 50th minute.
The hosts continued to threaten, but Arsenal eventually restored their advantage midway through the second half thanks to a moment of quality from Eberechi Eze.
Collecting a pass from Christian Norgaard just outside the area, Eze took a touch before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner to make it 2-1.
From there, Arsenal managed the closing stages while Mansfield continued to push for an equaliser.
The home side came close late on when Oliver Irow directed a header towards goal, but Arrizabalaga held on to preserve the lead.
