Arsenal edge past Mansfield in FA Cup thriller to preserve quadruple hopes

Arsenal overcame a tense challenge to defeat third division Mansfield 2-1 on Saturday, advancing to the FA Cup quarter finals and maintaining their pursuit of a remarkable quadruple.

Manager Mikel Arteta rotated his squad with nine alterations from the team that secured a 1-0 victory over Brighton during the week, extending their advantage to seven points at the Premier League summit.

Noni Madueke gave the 14 time FA Cup champions the lead against the struggling League One outfit just before the interval, but replacement Will Evans equalised soon into the second half.

The match intensified thereafter, offering opportunities to both teams until substitute Eberechi Eze struck powerfully from distance to regain Arsenal's advantage.

Max Dowman made history as Arsenal's youngest FA Cup debutant at 16 years and 66 days old, while 16 year old Marli Salmon also started as Arteta managed his squad depth.

Arsenal dominated initial possession yet Nigel Clough's side, fresh from upsetting Premier League side Burnley in the prior round, grew into the contest around the 10 minute mark and generated several openings.

Rhys Oates posed repeated danger, and Tyler Roberts skimmed the post with a long range effort.

Arsenal repelled the pressure and went ahead in the 41st minute via winger Madueke, marking the first Premier League club to hit 100 goals across all competitions this term.

Mansfield keeper Liam Roberts parried Madueke's initial attempt, but Gabriel Martinelli retrieved the ball on the flank and located the England wide man near the penalty area once more.

Madueke this time evaded Roberts entirely, curling a left footed effort into the net.

Mansfield restored parity early in the second period as substitute Evans capitalised on a loose pass from Salmon, composing himself to outwit Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The sides traded chances in a lively phase, but Eze, moments after entering, rifled in from outside the box to hand Arsenal the edge again on 66 minutes.

Arteta's team remained on edge against the underdogs but secured progression to the last eight.

Arsenal's 2020 FA Cup success, Arteta's debut campaign in charge, stands as the Spanish coach's sole major honour at the Emirates to date.

They enter the Premier League title race as strong contenders for a first crown since 2004, leading Manchester City by seven points with eight fixtures remaining.

Next up is the Champions League last 16 first leg versus Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, followed by a League Cup final clash with Manchester City at Wembley on March 22.