LONDON– Arsenal tore through Wigan Athletic with a devastating early spell, winning 4-0 in the FA Cup fourth round. All four goals came inside the first 27 minutes, which let the Premier League leaders ease off after the break and book a fifth-round spot for the first time since 2020. – WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS
As a result, Mikel Arteta’s side stays on track in every competition they’re chasing this season. They remain top of the Premier League, they’ve reached the EFL Cup final, and they’re still alive in the Champions League.
Arsenal Take Control Right Away
Arsenal set the tone from the first whistle. Their pressing pinned Wigan back, and quick passing through midfield kept the League One visitors chasing shadows. Wigan struggled to slow the pace, especially once Arsenal found space behind the back line.
The opener arrived in the 11th minute. Eberechi Eze split the defense with a superb through ball, then Noni Madueke finished first time to put Arsenal 1-0 up.
Next, Arsenal doubled the lead seven minutes later, and Eze played the key pass again. He released Gabriel Martinelli down the left, and Martinelli drilled a low left-footed shot into the corner for 2-0.
After that, the third goal came in the 23rd minute. Bukayo Saka drove to the byline and cut the ball back, which caused panic in the box. Under pressure from Madueke, Wigan defender Jack Hunt turned it into his own net, making it 3-0.
Arsenal weren’t done. In the 27th minute, Gabriel Jesus finished calmly from close range after a smart move in the build-up, stretching the lead to 4-0. Once again, Jesus delivered in a cup tie against lower-league opposition, continuing his strong record in these games.
Match Highlights
- 11′ – Goal: Noni Madueke (1-0) – First-time finish after a defense-splitting pass from Eze.
- 18′ – Goal: Gabriel Martinelli (2-0) – Left-footed strike after Eze picked him out down the channel.
- 23′ – Own goal: Jack Hunt (3-0) – Saka’s cutback forced an error under pressure.
- 27′ – Goal: Gabriel Jesus (4-0) – Composed finish in the box to complete the early blitz.
- Arsenal became the first Premier League side to score four goals in the opening 30 minutes of an FA Cup match.
- After halftime, Arsenal controlled the tempo and protected the clean sheet, with young goalkeeper Tommy Setford coming on late.
- Wigan steadied themselves in the second half, but they couldn’t find a way through.
Even with rotation, Arsenal’s quality showed across the pitch. Eze stood out for his passing, and the front three combined well with smart movement and sharp finishing.
Arsenal Team Performance Overview
| Position | Player | Key Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Kepa Arrizabalaga | Solid, made key saves early | Subbed late for Setford |
| Defense | Various | Clean sheet, controlled the game | Well-organized throughout |
| Midfield | Eberechi Eze | Two assists, chance creation | Man of the match contender |
| Attack | Noni Madueke | Goal (11′), involved in own goal | Constant threat |
| Attack | Gabriel Martinelli | Goal (18′) | Direct running and good finishing |
| Attack | Gabriel Jesus | Goal (27′) | Clinical in the box |
| Attack | Bukayo Saka | Created the third goal | Dangerous on the right |
Arteta’s lineup mixed regular starters with squad players. Still, the performance never dipped, and the early goals turned the tie into a comfortable afternoon.
Wigan Athletic’s Tough Afternoon
Wigan came to North London with a big task, and Arsenal made it harder within minutes. The Latics had a few moments on the counter, yet Arsenal won the midfield battle and punished mistakes at the back during that fast start.
| Area | Player | Key Moment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defense | Jack Hunt | Own goal (23′) | Unlucky under pressure |
| Midfield | Various | Struggled to keep the ball | Overmatched in central areas |
| Attack | Limited chances | Few shots on target | Better shape after the break |
| Overall | Team | No goals, four conceded | Tightened up to prevent more |
Will Aimson saw a late yellow card, although Wigan avoided a heavier scoreline by staying compact in the second half.
What It Means Next
Arteta will enjoy the ruthless start and the record-setting burst of goals. Just as important, Arsenal managed the second half without drama and kept key players fresh for upcoming matches.
For Wigan, the tie offered a clear look at the level required against elite opposition. However, the damage was done early, and they couldn’t recover.
Arsenal move into the FA Cup fifth round with confidence, and they’ll feel they can go deep again in a tournament they last won in 2020. With the season heating up on multiple fronts, this 4-0 win sent a simple message: Arsenal are in a hurry, and they don’t waste chances.
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