Premier League leaders Arsenal progressed to the quarter-final of the FA Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against a spirited Mansfield Town side.
The hosts, who are just five points above the relegation zone, started the game in excellent fashion and threatened to open the scoring on several occasions through both Tyler Roberts with a curled effort and Rhys Oates, who could have done better with a volleyed effort shortly after.
Arsenal eventually showed their title-chasing prowess with an excellent strike from Noni Madueke, who found the net from the edge of the box just moments after forcing Liam Roberts into a really smart save.
The capital side have made light work of their last two lower-league opponents in the FA Cup to progress to this stage, but this was certainly not a routined victory for the Gunners, who were pegged back just moments into the second half when substitute Will Evans found the net with a composed strike from inside the penalty area.
Mansfield threatened throughout the second half to take the lead, but eventually succumbed to a powerful strike from England international Eberechi Eze.
Despite the loss, it’s a result which the Stags can take plenty of pride from at the full time whistle as attention now turns to the league campaign and the fight to secure survival in the third-tier after a series of challenging results.
Here are our Mansfield Town player ratings following a memorable match against an Arsenal side gunning for the Premier League title.
5. Jon Russell - 8
Worked really hard and showed excellent signs of creativity at times to trouble a really strong Arsenal team. | UGC
6. Lucas Akins - 7
Used his physicality well in a game where Arsenal struggled to gain full control. A strong performance. | UGC
7. Rhys Oates - 8.5
Caused Riccardo Calafiori all kinds of problems throughout the contest with plenty of good runs and a few clever turns. Should have done better with a volley after 18 minutes but otherwise very impressive. | UGC
8. Frazer Blake-Tracy - 7.5
Had a very solid game in a robust Mansfield defence which didn't give alot away. | UGC