Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal cruised past Wigan 4-0 at the Emirates, scoring all goals within the opening 30 minutes
- The Gunners progressed to the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since the 2019/20 season
- Mikel Arteta made eight changes to the starting XI, with significant contributions from fringe players
Match Overview: Early Brilliance Clinches Progress
Arsenal secured their place in the FA Cup round of 16 with a commanding 4-0 victory over third-tier Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium. All four of the home side’s goals arrived in a devastating 16-minute spell during the first half-hour, allowing the Premier League leaders to manage the remainder of the contest with ease. Noni Madueke initiated the scoring in the 11th minute, followed by goals from Gabriel Martinelli (18’) and Gabriel Jesus (27’), with Jack Hunt inadvertently turning the ball into his own net in the 23rd minute. This result marked Arsenal’s first progress beyond the FA Cup fourth round in six seasons. The Gunners last claimed the trophy in the 2019/20 campaign.
Booking our spot in the Fifth Round 🎩 pic.twitter.com/iPszKv7qG3
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 15, 2026
Team Selection and Last-Minute Line-Up Changes
Manager Mikel Arteta opted for extensive rotation, altering eight positions from the previous fixture. Kepa Arrizabalaga was selected in goal, while William Saliba returned to the back line after missing the Brentford match through illness. Arsenal’s attack featured Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli. Notably, Gyökeres, Trossard, Zubimendi, and Rice started on the bench, with Martin Ødegaard absent from the squad entirely.
An unexpected reshuffle occurred just before kick-off when Riccardo Calafiori sustained an injury during the warm-up. As a result, Bukayo Saka was drafted into the side, forcing Myles Lewis-Skelly to operate at left back.
First-Half Flurry: The Crucial Moments
The Gunners wasted little time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock after only 11 minutes. Eberechi Eze split Wigan’s defence with a sharp ground pass to Madueke, who delicately flicked the ball past Tickle. Shortly afterwards, Arsenal doubled their lead as Eze again provided the assist, threading a pass for Martinelli, who beat the offside trap and finished clinically into the far corner.
The advantage grew in the 23rd minute, courtesy of swift interplay between Madueke and Saka on the right, culminating in a low cross along the six-yard box. Jesus made contact, inadvertently forcing Hunt to score an own goal for 3-0. Four minutes later, Arsenal struck again as Jesus controlled a precise through ball from Nørgaard before lifting his shot over Tickle to make it 4-0.
Wigan’s best opportunity arrived in the 35th minute, when Taylor’s shot drew a strong save from Kepa.
Second-Half Control and Key Statistics
At the break, Arteta introduced Gyökeres for Saka. The Swedish forward nearly extended the lead ten minutes later, only to see his angled shot rebound off the post. Arsenal managed the second half with composure, maintaining possession without adding further goals. Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle produced notable saves late on, denying a Martinelli header in the 85th minute and an effort from Eze shortly afterwards.
| Goalscorer | Minute | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Noni Madueke | 11′ | 1-0 |
| Gabriel Martinelli | 18′ | 2-0 |
| Jack Hunt (own goal) | 23′ | 3-0 |
| Gabriel Jesus | 27′ | 4-0 |
Looking Ahead
With this emphatic victory, Arsenal sustain their pursuit of four possible trophies and advance to the FA Cup round of 16 for the first time in six years. Mikel Arteta’s rotated squad not only maintained momentum but also provided valuable rest for key players ahead of the Premier League run-in.
