Arsenal F.C. delivered a statement performance under the Emirates lights, dismantling Wigan Athletic F.C. 4–0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup to cruise into the last 16.
From the first whistle, the Gunners played with urgency and intent, turning the tie into a one-sided contest before the half-hour mark. Four goals in a devastating opening spell left the League One visitors stunned and chasing shadows.
It was Noni Madueke who ignited the rout in the 11th minute, coolly converting after slick build-up play orchestrated by the influential Eberechi Eze. Seven minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli doubled the advantage, again profiting from Eze’s creativity as Arsenal sliced through Wigan’s defence with ease.
The pressure soon forced a costly error, with defender Jack Hunt inadvertently steering the ball into his own net to make it three. Before Wigan could regroup, Gabriel Jesus applied the finishing touch in the 27th minute, calmly slotting home to cap a breathless first-half blitz.
With the job effectively done inside 30 minutes, Arsenal shifted gears after the break — dominating possession, dictating tempo and conserving energy while keeping their opponents at bay. Wigan, to their credit, steadied themselves defensively in the second half, but the gulf in quality had already been laid bare.
For manager Mikel Arteta, the result was more than just progression. Despite injuries and late adjustments to his starting XI, his side displayed depth, sharpness and cohesion — attributes vital for a team juggling ambitions on multiple fronts this season.
The emphatic win sends Arsenal into the fifth round for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2020, reigniting hopes of another memorable cup run. Confident and clinical, the North London side now await their next challenge with momentum firmly on their side.
