Mansfield Town 1-2 Arsenal: FA Cup 2025-26 match report

The FA Cup continues to provide a stage for stark tactical contrasts, and Saturday’s fixture at One Call Stadium was no exception. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal arrived in Mansfield to face Nigel Clough’s side, navigating a tricky third-round test that pitted the Premier League side’s fluid 3-5-1-1 structure against the hosts' disciplined 3-5-2 setup. While the gulf in pedigree was evident in possession, Mansfield Town forced the visitors into a high-intensity battle that remained in the balance until the final whistle.

The opening

The early stages of the match were defined by a cagey tactical stalemate. Mansfield, well-drilled under Clough, looked to congest the central channels, forcing Arsenal to circulate the ball horizontally across the backline. Arteta’s side, deploying a 3-5-1-1 formation, sought to find pockets of space between the lines, but the hosts’ defensive block remained resolute for the opening half-hour.

The first significant disruption to the rhythm occurred in the 38th minute, when Arteta opted for an early tactical shift, replacing Piero Hincapié with Leandro Trossard. The substitution appeared to provide the necessary spark for the visitors. Just three minutes later, Arsenal broke the deadlock. Gabriel Martinelli, finding space on the flank, delivered a precise ball into the path of Noni Madueke, who finished clinically to give the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into the interval.

The decisive moment

The second half began with immediate intensity. Nigel Clough introduced T. Roberts at the restart, and the tactical adjustment paid dividends almost instantly. In the 50th minute, W. Evans—who would be substituted shortly after—found the equalizer for Mansfield Town, sending the home support into a frenzy and briefly shifting the momentum of the tie.

The parity lasted only sixteen minutes. Following a flurry of substitutions in the 62nd minute, which saw Kai Havertz and M. Salmon enter the fray for Arsenal, the visitors regained control of the midfield. The decisive blow arrived in the 66th minute: Christian Nørgaard provided the assist for Eberechi Eze, who restored Arsenal’s lead with a composed finish.

The final half-hour became a test of endurance and discipline. As the game grew more fractured, refereeing decisions became frequent, with Riccardo Calafiori and Eberechi Eze both entering the book for Arsenal, while Mansfield’s L. Reed, L. Akins, and S. McLaughlin were also cautioned as the home side pushed for a second equalizer. Despite a late flurry of substitutions from Clough in an attempt to freshen the attacking line, Arsenal’s backline held firm to secure a 2-1 victory and passage to the next round.

Looking ahead

For Arsenal, the result represents a professional navigation of a potentially hazardous away tie, demonstrating the depth of their squad in managing the physical demands of cup football. While the match highlighted areas for defensive tightening, the ability to reclaim the lead under pressure provides a valuable psychological boost as they progress deeper into the tournament.

For Mansfield Town, the performance serves as a testament to their tactical organization and resilience against elite opposition. Though the defeat ends their FA Cup run, the competitive nature of the display offers a positive benchmark for the remainder of their league campaign.