Arteta ‘very proud’ of Arsenal teenagers after squeaking past Mansfield

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The Football Faithful

·7 March 2026

Arteta ‘very proud’ of Arsenal teenagers after squeaking past Mansfield

Mikel Arteta says he is “very proud” of Max Dowman and Marli Salmon after both teenagers started for Arsenal in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Mansfield Town.

The Gunners were made to work hard by the Stags, who created multiple openings throughout the game, but were the hosts undone at Fields Mill by a stunning strike from Eberechi Eze.

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The League One outfit dared to dream after Will Evans cancelled out Noni Madueke’s opener, but ultimately it was Arsenal who put their name in the hat for Monday’s quarter-final draw.

“It was a proper FA Cup game and credit to Mansfield the stadium and the atmosphere the fans created there was a bit of banter,” Arteta told TNT Sports after the full-time whistle.

“They made it really difficult for us. If not, you have to be more ruthless in front of goal than we were today.

“The margin becomes smaller, and you give hope to the opposition. We made a mistake on the goal which cost us the momentum and belief for them. Overall, happy with the performance.”

Read – Arsenal star makes ‘difficult’ admission following narrow Mansfield win

Arteta ‘very proud’ of Arsenal teenagers Dowman and Salmon

Through Dowman and Salmon, Arsenal became the first ever Premier League side to start a competitive game with two players aged 16 or under in any competition. Arteta also handed 18-year-old Jaden Dixon, who joined the club from Stoke City last month, his debut off the bench.

“We have two 16-year-olds in the starting line-up, which I don’t think has ever happened, and I am very proud of them,” Arteta added.

“I think everyone feels involved. We have the desire that, game by game, we can get closer to the things that we can achieve.”

Read – Arsenal ‘don’t care’ about Hurzeler’s time-wasting accusations