‘We did what we had to do’ – Eberechi Eze reflects on decisive role in Arsenal’s FA Cup win

Eberechi Eze admitted Arsenal were simply focused on getting the job done after his late strike secured a 2-1 victory over Mansfield and booked their place in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

The midfielder emerged as the difference maker in a tense fifth round encounter, striking late in the contest to spare Arsenal from a potential upset against the spirited hosts.

With the game delicately poised and Mansfield threatening to push the tie to an uncomfortable finish, Eze found the space he needed and delivered a composed finish to seal progression for the visitors.

After the match, the Arsenal matchwinner stressed that the most important outcome was advancing to the next stage of the competition. “Happy to score. I had the space and the opportunity to shoot. So I took it,” Eze said.

The encounter proved far from straightforward for Arsenal, who were forced to navigate a hostile atmosphere and a determined Mansfield side eager to produce an FA Cup shock.

The home team’s intensity ensured the Premier League outfit had to remain patient before finally finding the decisive moment late on.

Eze acknowledged the challenge posed by the setting but maintained that Arsenal approached the contest with a clear objective. “It was a difficult environment to play in. But we did what we had to do and we are through to next round which is the important thing,” he explained.

The result keeps Arsenal firmly on course in the competition as they continue to chase success on multiple fronts this season. Eze emphasised that the team’s mindset remains rooted in hard work and steady progress rather than looking too far ahead.

“We are working hard and we are focussing on the process. Otherwise, we won’t get there. We are working hard and doing everything we can to win all the silverware on offer.”