Arsenal sets record: two 16-year-olds in the starting lineup

Today, March 7, the Gunners secured an away victory over Mansfield Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Defender Marli Salmon and midfielder Max Dowman were named in the starting XI. According to the statistical portal OptaJoe, this is an unprecedented event in Premier League history. London’s Arsenal became the first team ever in the Premier League to start an official match in any competition with two players aged 16 or younger in their starting lineup.

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As a reminder, after 30 rounds of the Premier League, Arsenal confidently leads the table with 67 points. The gap from second-placed Manchester City is seven points, although the Citizens still have a game in hand.