Arsenal player ratings vs Mansfield as Max Dowman dazzles but four 5/10s struggle in FA Cup scare

MANSFIELD TOWN 1-2 ARSENAL: Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players in their clash with Brighton in the Premier League

Arsenal progressed through to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup for the first time since 2020 after securing victory over Mansfield Town. It was, however, by no means a straightforward task, and the home side offered a good account of themselves and easily come away with much more.

Mikel Arteta made a raft of changes as expected and left plenty of viewers guessing as to just how he was going to line up on the day. It ended being a back three, but the system was far from perfect, and when Leandro Trossard came off injured, Piero Hincapie reformed the back four.

Minutes later, the Gunners took the lead through Noni Madueke, curling a shot into the top right corner. However, defensive nervousness from Mosquera proved damaging as Will Evans stole a march on the Spaniard and ran through to beat Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Eberechi Eze thankfully came on in the second half to score to take the Gunners through to the quarterfinals.

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Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:

Kepa Arrizabalaga – Forced into a couple of early stops in the game around the Arsenal box. Should have done better for the equaliser, the ball squeezing through the Spaniard. 5

Marli Salmon – Arteta’s decision to play with a back three put serious responsibility on the shoulders of the 16-year-old. Might get some scrutiny for the pass to Mosquera, but in essence, it was his senior teammate more at fault. 6

Cristhian Mosquera – Was diving around rashly with the huge amount of pitch, which in the back three he was tasked with covering. He was definitely at fault for the home side’s equaliser, hesitating and allowing Will Evans to take ownership and score. 5

Riccardo Calafiori – Forced into a few aerial duels, which he did well to win, and certainly had licence as usual to roam. Left the field with a potential hamstring injury, which only worsens the options for Mikel Arteta. 7

Noni Madueke – Despite having the obvious beating of his man, the winger had a number of poor right-footed attempts which went out harmlessly. He made up for his earlier mistakes, however, with a good strike finding the top right corner. 8

Max Dowman – Big early chance for the 16-year-old after being gifted the ball by Liam Roberts, he drove toward the goal before forcing a save from the keeper. Forced another save from close range after a cross from the left.

In the second half it was more of the same, a great chance soon after the equaliser, dribbling through the Mansfield defence and testing the keeper with a shot. Was in the right place to receive the ball from Madueke on a counterattack but chose the less selfish option and Jesus should have scored. 8

Christian Norgaard – Playing in front of the back three, and dropping in when needed. Found Eze in the right place for the Gunners’ second goal. 6

Kai Havertz – Had a very free midfield role where he dropped in deep at times before then popping up even higher than Gabriel Jesus at times. He couldn’t really end up affecting the game, however, and came off around the 60th minute. 6

Gabriel Martinelli – Had the chance to give the Gunners the lead on his left foot, before smashing a shot straight at Roberts. Made the right decision to find Madueke in the box rather than shooting for the opening goal. 7

Leandro Trossard – Set into place in the box on the right-hand side inside the opening 25 minutes, but blasted his shot over the bar. Had to be replaced before half-time after suffering a problem. 5

Gabriel Jesus – Offered very little in the first half, and didn’t see much of the ball. After a setup by Dowman, Jesus saw his stabbed shot headed off the line. 5

Substitutes:

Piero Hincapie – Came on in the first half, which then reorganised the shape into the typical back four. Struggled a bit physically but battled well, the frustration will be the lack of rest he has been afforded, especially with Calafiori picking up an injury. 6

Eberechi Eze – An immediate impact from the bench, receiving the ball on the edge of the box before spinning, holding of his man and smashing the ball beyond the keeper. 7

Jurrien Timber – Showcased the difference between a youngster and a seasoned senior player, and raised the level on the right side of the defence. 7

Jaden Dixon – A senior debut for the young defender, signed from Stoke City in January. Looked good and made a couple of nice passes in his limited time on the field. 6

Bukayo Saka – Had a chance to seal it late on and forced a stop with the keeper’s leg, getting the ball onto his left boot. 6