Eberechi Eze struck the decisive goal as Arsenal survived a determined challenge from Mansfield Town to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Premier League leaders were given a far sterner test than many expected by their League One opponents, who currently sit just five points above the relegation zone.
Mansfield produced a fearless performance, putting Arsenal under sustained pressure before Noni Madueke eventually broke the deadlock shortly before half-time.
Madueke had already forced a save from Mansfield goalkeeper Liam Roberts earlier in the half, but he would not be denied a second time.
After neat build-up play from Gabriel Martinelli on the edge of the box, the England winger curled a superb strike into the top corner to give Arsenal the lead.
Despite the setback, Mansfield continued to threaten.
Rhys Oates and Louis Reed both tested Kepa Arrizabalaga, while Tyler Roberts saw a curling effort drift narrowly wide as the hosts enjoyed a remarkable spell of attacking football.
Mansfield managed 11 shots in the opening half - the most Arsenal have conceded in the first 45 minutes of any match since April 2022.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made sweeping changes to his side following the midweek win over Brighton, handing starts to two 16-year-olds.
Defender Marli Salmon made his senior debut, while Max Dowman became the youngest player to start an FA Cup match for the club at just 16 years and 66 days old.
Dowman impressed throughout the opening period, forcing two saves from Roberts and showing remarkable composure in possession.
Salmon, meanwhile, was given the responsibility of stepping into midfield during Arsenal’s build-up play - a sign of the high regard in which he is held by the coaching staff.
The hosts eventually found a way back into the game after the break.
A misplaced pass from Salmon allowed Mansfield substitute Will Evans to pounce, and he finished confidently past Arrizabalaga to level the score.
Sensing the danger of a potential cup upset, Arteta turned to experience from the bench.
Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber were introduced as Arsenal looked to regain control.
The change paid off midway through the second half.
In the 66th minute, Eze collected the ball in space and unleashed a powerful strike that flew high into the net, restoring Arsenal’s advantage and ultimately securing their progress.
The victory keeps alive Arsenal’s hopes of an extraordinary quadruple this season and sends them into the last eight of the FA Cup for the first time since lifting the trophy in Arteta’s debut campaign in 2020.
While the Gunners were pushed harder than anticipated, the match offered valuable minutes for emerging talents and allowed Arteta to rest several key figures - including Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães and Martin Zubimendi - ahead of a demanding run of fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League and the upcoming Carabao Cup final.
