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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
David Hytner

Mikel Arteta keeps focus to ensure Stag party doesn’t end in tears for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta Arsenal Mansfield FA Cup Nigel Clough Brighton Fabian Hürzeler West Ham
Mikel Arteta uses a break in play at Brighton to give instructions
Mikel Arteta uses a break in play at Brighton to give instructions. He has to change his focus this weekend to the FA Cup. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

Mikel Arteta knows the score. There is a reason why Arsenal’s trip to Mansfield Town on Saturday is the tie of the FA Cup fifth round, why it has been selected by TNT Sports for a 12.15pm kick-off. It has all the ingredients and everybody – Arsenal fans aside – is looking for an upset. Arteta was asked whether he was clear on that point. “Yes,” the Arsenal manager replied.

It has always been this way when a top club visits a minnow and, to repeat, the plotlines are certainly there for this one. Mansfield are 16th in League One, too close to the relegation line for the comfort of the manager, Nigel Clough. The Stags have gone nine league matches without a win.

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