Arsenal secures a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory over Wigan. The Gunners overwhelm their League One opponents early, scoring all four goals within the first half-hour. Noni Madueke opens the scoring with a calm finish assisted by Eberechi Eze, followed by Gabriel Martinelli’s clinical strike, also set up by Eze. Jack Hunt’s own goal and Gabriel Jesus’s composed dink complete the rout. Wigan limits further damage after halftime, but Mikel Arteta’s squad delivers a flawless performance.
Player Ratings
Starting Lineup
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7
Delivers a sharp save to deny Taylor after a brief defensive error. Reacts quickly off his line during rare Wigan threats. Enjoys a straightforward outing as expected for the cup keeper.
Ben White – 6
Shows willingness to surge forward on the right flank but struggles to link up effectively. Delivers one risky hooked pass back into his own box that nearly gifts Wigan a chance.
William Saliba – 7
Returns from illness and glides through the game effortlessly. Wins all three duels and shuts down Taylor completely before exiting after 60 minutes.
Cristhian Mosquera – 8
Commands the backline with minimal effort required. Dominates one-on-one duels, boasts 96% pass accuracy, and nearly scores but faces strong defending on a header.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5
Misses midfield opportunity due to Calafiori’s injury. Handles possession tidily but loses pace to Borges Rodrigues on one side and earns a booking for fouling Costelloe on the other. Appears sluggish in recovery runs.
Christian Norgaard – 7
Launches a superb long ball for Jesus’s goal. Records the most touches and distributes several precise passes. Slots into defense late and picks up a yellow for a mistimed challenge.
Eberechi Eze – 8
Controls the match from the outset with two exquisite assists, exploiting ample space. Finds promising positions post-interval but lacks precision in final actions.
Bayo Saka – 7
Makes an unexpected start in midfield. Links well with Madueke and Eze, bringing a fresh dynamic centrally. Lacks a decisive moment before halftime substitution.
Noni Madueke – 8
Torments Wigan’s defense relentlessly. Scores with composure and his cross prompts the third goal. Generates four chances in the first half alone and thrives throughout.
Gabriel Jesus – 7
Executes a nonchalant chip after Norgaard’s lofted pass. Drifts left ineffectively at times but offers Arteta options in a deeper role behind Gyokeres later.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Thrives in cup ties once more. Bursts clear for his electric goal and dominates his marker repeatedly. Headers against the post late on after Tickle’s save.
Substitutes
Viktor Gyokeres (for Saka, 46′) – 6
Hits the post with a fierce near-post shot soon after entering. Otherwise subdued with just seven touches against weak opposition.
Marli Salmon (for Saliba, 61′) – 6
Makes home debut at 16, shifting from center-back to right-back. Stays solid on the ball and faces few defensive tests.
Leandro Trossard (for Madueke, 61′) – 6
Provides a lively cameo on the left, twisting past defenders and delivering a dangerous cutback across goal.
Martin Zubimendi (for White, 79′) – 6
Drifts left for a fine clipped cross that Martinelli misses. Adds composure late on.
Tommy Setford (for Kepa, 87′) – N/A
Enters too late for impact.
