Arsenal needed their big guns to come off the bench to secure a win over a battling Mansfield Town side in the FA Cup fifth round, but it was two 16-year-olds who made history. It was Salmon's first start for the club while Dowman became the youngest player to start a game for Arsenal in the FA Cup at 16 years and 66 days old. Salmon started at right centre-back, with Dowman in an advanced midfield role as Arsenal came under intense pressure after a bright Mansfield start. Noni Madueke's opener was cancelled out by a defiant Mansfield after the break before substitute Eze scored the winner, as Arsenal survived a hefty FA Cup scare. "Two 16-year-olds starting in the FA Cup.

Source: BBC March 07, 2026 18:24 UTC