Arsenal Thrash Wigan 4-0 To Storm Into FA Cup 5th Round

Arsenal delivered a stunning performance at the Emirates Stadium, scoring four goals within just 17 minutes to secure a commanding 4-0 victory over League One side Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

The Gunners opened the scoring early, with Noni Madueke finding the net in the 11th minute, setting the tone for what was to follow. Just seven minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli doubled Arsenal’s lead, showcasing their attacking prowess.

The visitors’ woes continued when Jack Hunt inadvertently headed the ball into his own net in the 23rd minute, and within half an hour, Gabriel Jesus added a fourth, deftly finishing after receiving a long ball from Christian Norgaard.

Despite their dominance, Arsenal failed to increase their tally, but the emphatic win marked their first advance to the fifth round since lifting the FA Cup in 2020, keeping alive their hopes for an unprecedented quadruple this season.

Manager Mikel Arteta made eight changes from the team that drew with Brentford on Thursday but retained a formidable front five featuring Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Madueke, Jesus, and Martinelli. Eze, under scrutiny for his recent form, played a pivotal role in the opening goals, providing a brilliant no-look pass to Madueke before assisting Martinelli.

Wigan, currently languishing in 22nd place in League One and reeling from a 6-1 loss to Peterborough that cost manager Ryan Lowe his job, faced chants from their supporters lamenting their team’s performance as the scoreline reached 3-0.

Despite the overwhelming pressure, Wigan managed to hold the score at four by half-time, with goalkeeper Sam Tickle making a crucial save to deny Joe Taylor.

As the second half unfolded, Arsenal continued to threaten, with Saka substituted at half-time as he works his way back to full fitness. New signing Viktor Gyökeres nearly added a fifth, hitting the post with a deflected shot, while Eze struck the side-netting shortly after.

Although Wigan managed to avoid further humiliation, the match fizzled out after the explosive opening, leaving Arsenal firmly in the hat for the fifth-round draw set for Monday. With the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup all still within reach, Arteta’s side is poised for a thrilling March ahead.