Arsenal progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2020, overwhelming League One side Wigan Athletic with a dominant 4-0 victory at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Premier League leaders scored four goals within the opening 30 minutes, a feat unmatched by any Premier League team in the FA Cup’s recent history. Noni Madueke opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a through ball from Eberechi Eze and finishing calmly past Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle.
Eze continued to orchestrate the attack, providing the assist for Gabriel Martinelli to double Arsenal’s lead just seven minutes later. The Brazilian forward slotted the ball into the corner, extending the Gunners’ advantage.
Wigan’s defensive struggles compounded with an own goal from Jack Hunt in the 22nd minute, following a well-worked move involving Bukayo Saka and Madueke. Saka, a late replacement in the starting lineup after Riccardo Calafiori was injured during the warm-up, operated in an unfamiliar central midfield role.
Gabriel Jesus added a fourth goal before the half-hour mark, chipping the ball over the advancing Tickle after a pass from Christian Norgaard. The quickfire goals established a commanding lead for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The second half saw fewer goal-scoring opportunities, though Arsenal continued to control possession. Wigan managed a rare attack, with Joe Taylor forcing a save from Kepa Arrizabalaga. For Arsenal, substitute Viktor Gyokeres hit the post, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
Arsenal’s victory marks their return to the FA Cup fifth round, a stage they last reached in 2020, the year they secured the trophy under Arteta. Wigan, currently struggling in League One, were unable to contain Arsenal’s attacking prowess.
Marli Salmon, a 16-year-old, made his home debut for Arsenal in the closing stages, replacing William Saliba to help preserve the team’s 22nd clean sheet of the 2025/26 season.
