Arsenal Thrash Wigan 4-0 to Reach FA Cup Fifth Round
Arsenal delivered a commanding performance at the Emirates Stadium, thrashing Wigan Athletic 4-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, February 15, 2026, to secure a place in the fifth round.
The Gunners made a blistering start, with Noni Madueke opening the scoring in the 11th minute after latching onto a defence-splitting pass from Eberechi Eze. Eze was at the heart of Arsenal’s attacking play and doubled his assist tally eight minutes later, setting up Gabriel Martinelli for the second goal in the 19th minute.
Wigan’s afternoon went from bad to worse in the 23rd minute when Jack Hunt inadvertently turned a cross into his own net, handing Arsenal a commanding 3-0 lead. Gabriel Jesus added the fourth in the 27th minute, delicately chipping the ball over goalkeeper Sam Tickle to leave the visitors shell-shocked before the half-hour mark.
The second half saw Arsenal rotate heavily, offering opportunities to youth players, including 16-year-old Marli Salmon. Goalkeeper Tommy Setford also made his home debut after coming on for Kepa Arrizabalaga. Despite the changes, the hosts remained in firm control, keeping Wigan largely subdued and comfortably seeing out the 4-0 victory.
Eze’s two assists made him the first Arsenal player since Hector Bellerin in January 2016 to register more than one assist in a home FA Cup tie, underlining his growing influence in cup competitions.
The emphatic win serves as a strong response to recent league setbacks and highlights Arsenal’s depth and versatility as they continue their FA Cup campaign.
