Arsenal's FA Cup Journey Continues with a Dominant 4-0 Win Over Wigan Athletic
A Dominant Display at the Emirates
Arsenal's FA Cup campaign got off to a flying start with a 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium. This win marks our progress to the fifth round of the competition for the first time since 2020, and it was a performance that showcased our attacking prowess and tactical discipline.
Early Goalscoring Threat
Noni Madueke got the goalscoring underway with a composed finish, before Gabriel Martinelli doubled our lead. A Jack Hunt own goal and a composed finish from Gabriel Jesus made it four before 30 minutes, as we cruised into the last 16. The front line was purring, and it was Jesus' turn to get in on the act before the half hour was up.
A Clean Sheet for Marli Salmon
There was also enough to give Marli Salmon a home debut as the 16-year-old came on for William Saliba to help preserve our 22nd clean sheet of 2025/26. It was a significant moment for the young goalkeeper, who has been making waves in the Arsenal academy.
A Fast Start
After Riccardo Calafiori pulled out in the warm-up, Bukayo Saka stepped up into an unfamiliar position in the midfield. Bukayo joined Eberechi Eze in the middle of the park and he was key to the opening goal on 10 minutes. The midfielder played a superb through ball to find the on-running Madueke, who was able to provide a composed finish beyond Sam Tickle in the Wigan net.
Goals Galore
Seven minutes later, we had our second, and Eze was at the centre of it once more. An incisive pass from Christian Norgaard found Eze in space, and he was able to slip through Martinelli as the Brazilian slammed home his fourth goal in the competition this season. The rain was teeming down in N5, as were the goals as we made it 3-0 before 23 minutes. Good play down the left saw Madueke find Saka in space who was able to cross the ball into the path of the unfortunate Jack Hunt who headed it into his own net.
Second Half Settles Down
We made a switch at half-time and introduced Viktor Gyokeres for Bukayo Saka, and the Swede almost made his mark inside the first 10 minutes of the second half. Eze was looking for a goal of his own and had two efforts. He first fired his free-kick towards goal, which hit Jesus and bounced clear, before dancing into the box and firing another effort into the side netting.
What's Next?
Following our FA Cup fourth round tie, we're on the road to Wolverhampton, taking on Wolves on Wednesday, February 18, at Molineux Stadium. We're then back in north London, heading to Tottenham on Sunday, February 22 at 4.30pm (UK time). The draw for the next round of the competition will take place before Macclesfield v Brentford on Monday, February 16.
Controversy & Comment Hooks
Despite establishing a healthy lead after 30 minutes, it was the visitors who went closest next. The ball dropped to striker Joe Taylor and, after riding the challenges, was able to get a shot away from close range, only to find Kepa Arrizabalaga alert and up to the task to keep our clean sheet intact. Having narrowly headed clear to deny Cristhian Mosquera a first goal for the club, Wigan attacker Raphel Rodrigues then went in search of a goal, firing low and hard, but was greeted by Kepa's gloves. It's worth considering whether Arsenal's dominance was justified, and what impact the introduction of young players like Marli Salmon had on the game. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
