Arsenal
Iyunade Grace
Arsenal’s quadruple dreams are still alive after they survived a scare to beat Mansfield Town 2-1 and reach the FA Cup quarter-finals. Noni Madueke gave Arsenal the lead just before half-time with a curling left-footed shot, but Mansfield equalized shortly after the break through Will Evans.
Eberechi Eze, who came on as a substitute, scored the winner in the 66th minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, silencing the crowd at Field Mill. This was Eze’s third goal contribution in the FA Cup this season, and he credited the “Holy Spirit” for inspiring his match-winning goal .
Mikel Arteta’s much-changed side had struggled against Mansfield, with the League One side creating several early chances. However, Arsenal’s Premier League quality eventually shone through, and they held on to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Arteta made nine changes to the side that beat Brighton 1-0 in midweek, giving opportunities to young players like Max Dowman and Marli Salmon. Dowman, 16, started and impressed, while Salmon also made an impact off the bench.
Mansfield’s Nigel Clough praised his team’s effort, saying they made it a proper cup tie and gave Arsenal a tough game. Will Evans, who scored Mansfield’s equalizer, was delighted with his goal and said he had to prove a point after not starting the game.
Eze’s winner was his first goal in the FA Cup this season, and he said he saw the opportunity and space to get the shot off. “I am possessed by Holy Spirit,” he joked, thanking God for the goal.
Arsenal’s win keeps their quadruple hopes alive, with the Premier League title, FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League all still possible. They face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16 next.
The Gunners will be looking to build on this win as they push for their first Premier League title since 2006
