Leaving behind the disappointment of their recent league draw, Arsenal delivered a commanding performance to secure their place in the next round of the domestic cup. The team, under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, demonstrated a stark contrast to their previous result against Brentford, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Instead of dwelling on that setback, the Gunners orchestrated a masterclass, decisively overcoming Wigan Athletic and booking their ticket to the 5th round of the prestigious FA Cup.
The match was effectively decided within a blistering twenty-seven-minute spell, during which the home side exhibited overwhelming superiority. Noni Madueke opened the scoring, setting the tone for the evening, before Martinelli doubled the advantage. The third goal, officially recorded as an own goal but credited to one of Arsenal’s most prolific scorers this season, further demoralized the visitors. Completing the first-half rout, Gabriel Jesus found the net, cementing a dominant 4-0 lead before the interval.
A Goalkeeper’s Quiet Evening
Facing minimal threat, Arsenal’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga enjoyed a largely uneventful evening, his yellow kit scarcely tested by a Wigan Athletic side that struggled to create meaningful opportunities. The visitors managed only a solitary sight of goal, which was comfortably dealt with, underscoring the comprehensive nature of Arsenal’s defensive control alongside their attacking prowess.
The latter stages of the match saw the introduction of Zubimendi in the 79th minute, a substitution that allowed Arsenal to manage the game’s tempo and conserve energy, having already secured the result. This emphatic victory serves not only as a successful progression in the cup but also as a significant morale booster for the squad, effectively erasing the frustration from their previous league outing and allowing them to look ahead with renewed confidence.