Arsenal FC has advanced to the round of 16 in the FA Cup without any problems: The Gunners were already leading 4-0 against third-division side Wigan Athletic after 27 minutes.
In the league, Arsenal FC could not manage more than a 1-1 draw at city rivals Brentford during the week.
Nevertheless, the Gunners still lead the Premier League, four points ahead of Manchester City. This weekend, Wigan Athletic were the visitors to the Emirates Stadium in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and Mikel Arteta’s team showed no weakness from the start against the third-division side, who are currently fighting against relegation to League 4.
Eze with the no-look pass
The Spaniard made eight changes to his starting lineup compared to the draw at Brentford FC, but with names like Saliba, Saka, and Gabriel Jesus, the Arsenal team was still packed with talent. So it was little surprise that the 1-0 came after just eleven minutes: Eze played an outstanding no-look pass into the path of Madueke, who kept his cool in front of goal.
That was the start of a very entertaining 16 minutes in which the Gunners opened the door to the round of 16 wide. First, it was another long ball from Eze that sent Gabriel Martinelli on his way to make it 2-0 (18′). Then Saka brought the ball in from the right and Wigan defender Hunt scored an own goal with his head (23′).
And in the 27th minute, the North Londoners scored their fourth goal with their third shot on goal: a high ball from Nörgaard lifted the entire visiting defense, and Gabriel Jesus made no mistake with the chance in front of Wigan goalkeeper Tickle.
In the end, the Gunners show mercy
After that, however, the Gunners took their foot off the gas, and the half-time whistle blew with no further goals. And in the second half, too, the Premier League leaders lacked the final touch. A shot from substitute Gyökeres that hit the post was the only dangerous approach on goal for a long time (55′).
Shortly before the end, Gabriel Martinelli’s header was saved by a strong reaction from Tickle in the Wigan goal (85′). Otherwise, the Gunners showed mercy and were satisfied with the 4-0 win. On the weekend of March 7, Arsenal will compete in the round of 16 of the world’s oldest cup competition.
In the league, they continue next Wednesday at bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton. Three points are a must for the championship contenders. On the same evening (8:45 p.m.), Wigan Athletic will battle it out at home against Luton Town to leave the relegation zone in the English third division.