Arsenal eased into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over League One side Wigan, keeping their chase of four trophies alive.
The Premier League leaders asserted control from the outset and took the lead in the 11th minute. Noni Madueke finished confidently after a defence-splitting pass from Eberechi Eze, who was instrumental throughout the first half.
Eze was again the provider seven minutes later, setting up Gabriel Martinelli to slot home and double Arsenal’s advantage.
The Gunners extended their lead when Jack Hunt turned Bukayo Saka’s cross into his own net following sharp interplay between Saka and Madueke.
Saka, a late addition to the starting XI after Riccardo Calafiori withdrew during the warm-up, operated in an unfamiliar central midfield role and impressed. His midfield partner, Christian Norgaard, later assisted Gabriel Jesus, who chipped Sam Tickle to complete the scoring.
Arsenal’s explosive start made them the first Premier League side to score four goals within the opening half-hour of an FA Cup tie.
Wigan threatened briefly, with Joe Taylor denied by an excellent save from Kepa Arrizabalaga. Substitute Viktor Gyokeres also struck the post for Arsenal in the second half.
The Gunners had not reached the fifth round since 2020, the year they last lifted the FA Cup under Mikel Arteta, securing their record 14th title and most recent major trophy.
With this emphatic victory, Arsenal remain active in four competitions as they seek to end a six-year wait for silverware.
