Mikel Arteta's rotation challenges were on full display as Arsenal narrowly defeated Mansfield Town 2-1 in the FA Cup fifth round. The Gunners fielded two 16-year-olds, Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, with Dowman becoming Arsenal's youngest-ever FA Cup starter at 16 years and 66 days. The match exposed ongoing issues with Arteta's squad management as Arsenal struggled against League One opposition.

Arsenal's 35th win across all competitions already matches their highest total under Arteta, with three months still remaining in the season. The victory keeps them in contention for an unprecedented quadruple, but questions persist about whether Arteta can effectively utilize his deep squad. His decision to switch to a back three for the first time in 246 matches backfired, forcing an early tactical change when Leandro Trossard was injured.

Substitute Eberechi Eze delivered the decisive moment with a superb 66th-minute strike, while Bukayo Saka replaced Dowman after 77 minutes. The match highlighted the delicate balance between developing young talent and fielding a competitive team. With injuries to Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori, Arteta faces mounting pressure to find the right formula ahead of crucial Champions League fixtures.