3 standout names for Arsenal in their difficult win vs Mansfield Town

Mikel Arteta kept one eye on Bayer Leverkusen and trusted his fringe names to send Arsenal into the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Many of them failed to impress.

Gabriel Jesus looked lost up top, Kai Havertz was near anonymous in the midfield and there was also a rare off day for Cristhian Mosquera at the back; the 21-year-old found it difficult to stop a buoyant Mansfield attack.

Fortunately, other players did take their chance and the aforementioned names owe them a debt of gratitude for their combined roles in ensuring that the Gunners would live to fight another day in the FA Cup.

Here are the three standout performers for Arsenal from their difficult 2-1 victory at Mansfield Town.

Standout #1: Max Dowman

He is 16 years old!

As some flattered to deceive, Max Dowman looked like a seasoned pro and was the Gunners’ most dangerous forward on Saturday.

His willingness to run at the opposition was a breath of fresh air for fans long accustomed to seeing Arsenal recycle the ball at the back. In addition, he showed his intelligence and great movement to position himself in good, goal-scoring areas, even if he lacked the finish on two occasions in the first half.

Arteta declared himself “very proud” of Dowman post match and for good reason: he stood out on his full debut in the FA Cup after coming back from a long-term injury, something which might have excused him a rusty outing.

Youngsters often play without fear; maybe that was just the type of energy this team needs as nerves threaten to creep in down the home straight.

Standout #2: Kepa Arrizabalaga

As usual, Arteta opted for his back-up goalkeeper in the cup – Kepa proved his worth.

There were no ‘camera’ moments for the Spaniard in goal; for the most part, it was just about how he did the basics well and made no errors to put Arsenal under undue pressure (more than can be said for some of his teammates).

But he earns special mention for his composure under the high balls. Mansfield set out to make life as difficult as possible and, at times, gave the Gunners a taste of their own medicine, firing crosses into the box for 6ft Rhys Oates to meet.

Yet Kepa claimed each one with ease, while he was also quick to release the ball afterwards to get Arsenal up the pitch.

He brings a general sense of solidity in addition to his penalty shootout heroics in the Carabao Cup before Christmas. Perhaps he can crown a strong individual campaign by helping the team achieve glory at Wembley next week.

£5m was a steal.

Standout #3: Noni Madueke

Madueke can frustrate in his decision-making and crosses but no one can deny that he knows how to strike the ball.

His brilliant goal at Mansfield, a first-time scorcher into the top corner, adds to a growing personal list of ‘golazos’ in 2025/26, alongside his lovely side-footed finish against Wigan Athletic in the last round and the screamer in Bruges last December.

That strike would complement a good, all-round effort as he always looked to take defenders on and make something happen in the final third. The cross did not always match the intent, but his positive running gave Arsenal a spark up front.

He more than played his part in getting the team through a hard game, quietly building on a series of good displays of late.

What an option to have in reserve.