The main stand at Field Mill shook as substitute Will Evans cancelled out Noni Madueke's first-half opener, hinting at an extraordinary FA Cup upset for Mansfield Town against quadruple-chasing Arsenal. The League One side, 16th in the table, had not won a league game recently but found themselves level early in the second half.
Arsenal, the top team in England and Europe so far this season, had to turn to Eberechi Eze from the bench. The Crystal Palace hero of last season's final fizzed a shot high into the Mansfield net from the edge of the area to break home hearts. Mansfield fought until the end, with substitute Oliver Irow having a half-chance in stoppage time, but the header lacked power.
Mikel Arteta had rotated heavily after the midweek win at Brighton, starting with a 3-1-5-1 formation that included 16-year-old full debutant Marli Salmon. The system did not work, and when Leandro Trossard was forced off in the 38th minute, Arteta switched to 4-3-3. Almost immediately, Madueke scored after Gabriel Martinelli worked the ball back to him.
Mansfield manager Nigel Clough had promised to make it uncomfortable for Arsenal, and his players rose to the challenge. Rhys Oates was a barrelling presence up front, while captain Louis Reed led by example. Kepa Arrizabalaga was tested early, and Tyler Roberts was just off target. Arsenal looked raw and vulnerable with three at the back.
Max Dowman, the 16-year-old midfielder, was the outstanding player on the pitch, with his touch and feints allowing him to canter away from opponents. He blew an early one-on-one with Liam Roberts and banged another shot straight at the goalkeeper. The equaliser came when Salmon left a back pass short for Cristhian Mosquera, allowing Evans to nip in and slam a low finish past Arrizabalaga.
Arsenal were not down for long. Dowman almost restored the lead after a scintillating switch of feet, but Roberts saved. Kyle Knoyle cleared off the line to deny Gabriel Jesus. Eze replaced the ineffective Kai Havertz and made the difference, with Arteta also sending on 18-year-old Jaden Dixon for his debut.
