Arsenal Blitz Wigan with 4 Goals in 30 Minutes – FA Cup Shockwave
Arsenal announced their intent in emphatic fashion today, storming past Wigan Athletic with a stunning 4-0 victory to secure a place in the FA Cup fifth round. The Gunners turned the Emirates Stadium into a showcase of attacking dominance, producing four goals inside just 30 minutes – a first for a Premier League side in FA Cup history.
It all began in the 11th minute when Eberechi Eze delivered a defense-splitting pass to Noni Madueke, who calmly slotted the ball past Wigan’s goalkeeper Sam Tickle. Seven minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli doubled the lead, again assisted by Eze, demonstrating a lethal combination of vision and precision that Wigan simply couldn’t contain. The nightmare continued for the League One side in the 23rd minute, when defender Jack Hunt inadvertently scored an own goal under pressure from Bukayo Saka and Madueke. Before the half-hour mark, Gabriel Jesus completed the rout with a clever chip over Tickle, assisted by Christian Norgaard, sealing a devastating opening salvo.
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This performance wasn’t just about goals. Arsenal’s midfield control, led by a central-deployed Saka returning from injury, allowed them to dominate possession at over 73%, while Wigan struggled to make an impact with only 27% of the ball. The visitors had a couple of chances, but Kepa Arrizabalaga made key saves and Arsenal’s defense held firm, highlighting the gap between the Premier League leaders and the struggling League One outfit.
Beyond the scoreboard, this match had deeper implications. Arsenal reached the fifth round for the first time since 2020, recalling their last FA Cup triumph under Mikel Arteta. For Martinelli, it was another milestone – his 10th goal in cup and European competitions this season, a feat not achieved by an Arsenal player since Ian Wright in 1994-95. Young talents also made their mark, with 16-year-old Marli Salmon and 19-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford making their debuts, giving Arteta valuable insights into his squad depth.
For Wigan, the result is a stark reminder of the gulf in class they faced today. Their run of strong away performances in the FA Cup came to an abrupt end and they will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next League One fixture against Luton.
For Arsenal, the path ahead is wide open. Maintaining this level of intensity in multiple competitions could be crucial as they aim to end a six-year trophy drought. The FA Cup, with its history and prestige, represents a tangible opportunity to add silverware and build momentum.
Stay with us for continuous coverage as Arsenal look to carry this momentum forward and Wigan assess their next steps after a humbling FA Cup exit. Keep watching for all the latest updates, tactical breakdowns and insights from the heart of the pitch.
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