{"id":2710,"date":"2026-03-07T12:57:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T12:57:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news678.top\/?p=2710"},"modified":"2026-03-07T12:57:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T12:57:58","slug":"mikel-arteta-explains-why-declan-rice-and-martin-zubimendi-miss-mansfield-vs-arsenal-fa-cup-tie-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=2710","title":{"rendered":"Mikel Arteta explains why Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi miss Mansfield vs Arsenal FA Cup tie | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\"Mikel\t<\/div>
Arsenal made big changes to their starting XI for the game against Mansfield(Photo by Maynard Manyowa\/News Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mikel Arteta rung the changes for Arsenal\u2019s FA Cup fifth round tie against Mansfield with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi not included in the match day squd.<\/p>\n

The Gunners have arrived at the business end of the season still in contention to win four trophies and were odds-on favourites to progress to the quarter finals of the FA Cup at the expense of League One opposition. <\/p>\n

Arsenal enhanced their position at the top of the table on Wednesday evening following a hard-fought 1-0 win at Brighton.<\/p>\n

Following the physical effort it took to overcome the Seagulls and, with a mind to their midweek Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen,Arteta opted to make nine changes to his starting XI.<\/p>\n

Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Martinelli were the only players to retain their places in the starting XI, while teenagers Max Dowman and Marli Salmon were handed starts.<\/p>\n

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were also in from the start while there was plenty of firepower on the bench in the shape of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres. <\/p>\n

Asked before the game whether the game represented a good opportunity to rest several key players, including his two midfield linchpins, Arteta said: \u2018We know the difficulty of the challenge, it\u2019s always really tough to win and earn the right to go through to the next round and we are very, very aware of that.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd34 \ud835\udde7\ud835\uddd8\ud835\uddd4\ud835\udde0\ud835\ude49\ud835\ude40\ud835\ude52\ud835\ude4e \u26aa\ufe0f\ud83c\udd95 Salmon makes first start\ud83d\udc4f Dowman becomes our youngest-ever FA Cup player\u00a9\ufe0f Jesus skippers the sideLet’s book our spot in the next round, Gunners \u270a\ud83e\udd1d Presented by @deel<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2018That\u2019s the beauty of this competition, we are able to play in various contexts. Big tradition for this country and loving the challenge.\u2019<\/p>\n

Much of the pre-match focus centered on the inclusion of Dowman who became the youngest player in Arsenal\u2019s history when he made his Premier League debut back in August.<\/p>\n

An ankle injury has prevented him from featuring at first team level over the last couple of months but Arteta was delighted to be able to let the 16-year-old off the leash against the Stags.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"MANSFIELD,\t<\/div>
Marli Salmon started at right-back against Mansfield (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

He said: \u2018It\u2019s a big day and he\u2019s been out for a few weeks so he has real hunger to show what he is capable of. He has a really good environment around him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Mansfield, meanwhile, beat Premier League opposition in the shape of Burnley in the last round and manager Nigel Clough was cautiously optimisitic his side could cause an even bigger upset.<\/p>\n

He said: \u2018Supporters been congregating since 8-9am this morning \u2013 big day for them.<\/p>\n

\u2018An incredibly difficult opportunity. Not just to get to the fifth round but also to get the Premier League leaders here. I juts hope we can make it uncomfortable for them.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"MANSFIELD,\t<\/div>
Eberechi Eze, Jaden Dixon, Max Dowman and Noni Madueke were all in the Arsenal squad for their FA Cup tie against Mansfield (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018Everyone is excited but manager and staff not so much! We will try to play our normal game. I don\u2019t think we can do it any other way.<\/p>\n

\u2018 When we can we will try to get the ball down \u2013 they are slightly technically better than us! But you never know, you need a break. It\u2019s what you get away with as well \u2013 with Burnley they missed two or three chances and that went our way.<\/p>\n

\u2018Make it uncomfortable but have a go \u2013 no regrets. We have a one off opportunity to give it everything and let\u2019s see.\u2019<\/p>\n

Arrow<\/title>\n<\/svg>MORE: Mansfield vs Arsenal LIVE SCORE: FA Cup latest goal updates<\/span><\/p>\n

Arrow<\/title>\n<\/svg>MORE: Jack Wilshere aims savage dig at Tottenham and reveals \u2018dream\u2019 scenario<\/span><\/p>\n

Arrow<\/title>\n<\/svg>MORE: Gabriel hits back at Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler\u2019s claim \u2018Arsenal make their own rules\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n
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