‘Very proud’: Mikel Arteta praises two Arsenal players after Mansfield Town win

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March 7, 2026 19:40 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised two players following the 2-1 win over Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round.

The Gunners progressed to the last eight of the FA Cup after a hard-fought victory over the League One outfit. They were guilty of squandering several clear-cut chances but still made the next round.

Noni Madueke scored a stunning goal from the edge of the box in the opening half. Eberechi Eze bagged with another equally good strike in the second half.

Speaking after the win, Arteta was impressed by Max Dowman and Marli Salmon. The 16-year-olds both started from the starting line-up against the Stags.

Arteta said: “Well, I’m very proud of him, very proud as well of Marli, obviously, two 16-year-olds, starting in the FA Cup.That tells us a lot about them, their personality and the quality that they have.”

The Gunners’ immediate focus will shift to the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen away from home.

Ahead of the encounter, the club have some issues to deal with. Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard picked up fresh injuries earlier today.

William Saliba, Ben White and Martin Odegaard are also doubtful and may need to be assessed ahead of the European clash against Leverkusen.