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.
9. Deji Oshilaja - 8
The defender was really solid throughout the contest and was able to nullify the threat of many of Arsenal's experienced offensive talents. | UGC
10. Louis Reed - 8
Showed plenty of energy and enthusiasm throughout the match. Won plenty of duels in the middle of the park. | UGC
11. Tyler Roberts - 7
Led the line fairly well in the first 45 minutes. Went close with an effort early on. Made plenty of sharp passes before being replaced by Will Evans in a decision which ultimately paid off for Nigel Clough. | Getty Images
12. George Abbott - 6
Enjoyed a steady afternoon in the middle of the park but struggled at times with the flair of an impressive Max Dowman. Was replaced after an hour. | UGC