The Emirates Stadium was buzzing with anticipation on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as Arsenal welcomed Wigan Athletic for a long-awaited FA Cup clash. It had been nearly 12 years since these two sides last met in North London, and the contrast in their fortunes couldn’t have been starker. Arsenal, perched confidently atop the Premier League, faced a Wigan side languishing 22nd in League One and fresh off a managerial shakeup. Yet, the magic of the FA Cup always leaves room for surprises, and fans on both sides arrived with hope in the air.
From the first whistle, the gulf in quality was evident. Arsenal, fielding a blend of regulars and squad players, wasted little time in asserting their dominance. Within 11 minutes, the Gunners were already celebrating. Eberechi Eze, whose inclusion in the starting lineup had drawn some curiosity, delivered a disguised pass that sliced through Wigan’s defense. Noni Madueke latched onto it and coolly slotted home with his left foot, sending the home crowd into early raptures. "My word, what a pass that was from Eze," reported Joe Prince-Wright in his live coverage, capturing the mood perfectly.
Wigan tried to regroup, but the onslaught continued. By the 19th minute, Gabriel Martinelli doubled Arsenal’s lead with a clinical finish from the left side of the box, again set up by Eze’s vision. The Brazilian’s strike was low and true, nestling in the bottom right corner. The Latics’ defense, already stretched, soon suffered another blow. Just four minutes later, a dangerous cross from Bukayo Saka was flicked on by Gabriel Jesus. The ball ricocheted off Wigan’s Jack Hunt and into his own net, making it 3-0 before the clock hit 25 minutes.
Arsenal’s dominance was historic. According to OptaJoe, “Arsenal are the first Premier League team (from 1992-93) to score four goals in the opening 30 minutes of an FA Cup game.” The fourth came in the 27th minute: Christian Nørgaard, one of several players getting a rare start, picked out Gabriel Jesus with a perfect through ball. Jesus made no mistake, right-footing the ball into the top left corner. The Emirates erupted; the contest seemed all but over before halftime.
Wigan, to their credit, didn’t fold completely. Joe Taylor, the Latics’ leading scorer, nearly pulled one back after pouncing on a rare Arsenal mistake. Clean through on goal, Taylor unleashed a shot that Kepa Arrizabalaga did well to save. Taylor “can’t believe he hasn’t scored there,” as described in live updates. But these moments were few and far between, as Arsenal’s defense, marshaled by Kepa and a rotated backline, held firm.
Manager Mikel Arteta, well aware of a busy Premier League schedule ahead, used the match to rotate his squad. Notably absent was Kai Havertz, out with a muscular issue, while Mikel Merino and Max Dowman also missed out due to injury. Riccardo Calafiori was a surprise omission from left back, with Myles Lewis-Skelly filling in and Saka starting centrally. The Gunners’ lineup featured Kepa in goal; White, Mosquera, Saliba, and Calafiori in defense; Nørgaard, Lewis-Skelly, and Eze in midfield; and a front three of Madueke, Jesus, and Martinelli. Wigan, meanwhile, relied on their regulars, with Sam Tickle in goal and Jason Kerr anchoring the backline.
Discipline became an issue as the game wore on. The referee was busy, issuing yellow cards to Will Aimson, Christian Nørgaard, Owen Moxon, and Myles Lewis-Skelly for various fouls. The match saw its share of physical battles, with free kicks and corners punctuating the action. Injuries also played a part. Ben White was forced off, replaced by Martín Zubimendi, while Wigan’s Jack Hunt exited after a knock, with Matt Smith coming on in his place.
As the second half began, Arsenal led 4-0 and looked to manage the game. Arteta made further changes, bringing on Viktor Gyökeres for Saka and Leandro Trossard for Madueke. Marli Salmon replaced William Saliba, ensuring key players stayed fresh for the challenges ahead. Wigan, under the interim stewardship of Glenn Whelan following Ryan Lowe’s recent dismissal, made their own substitutions in search of a consolation.
Wigan’s plight in League One has been well-documented. The Latics have struggled for form, enduring a seven-match winless run that cost Lowe his job. Now led by Whelan, the team faces a daunting relegation battle, sitting two points adrift of safety. Yet, the FA Cup offered a brief respite—a chance to test themselves against elite opposition and perhaps restore some pride.
Despite the scoreline, Wigan showed flashes of resilience. Raphael Borges Rodrigues and Joe Taylor both forced saves from Kepa, while Dara Costelloe and Callum Wright tried to create openings. But Arsenal’s class told throughout, with the likes of Eze, Martinelli, and Jesus orchestrating attacks at will. The Gunners’ control was near-total, and the home fans even found time for some cheeky chants, singing “Are you Tottenham in disguise?” as the goals rained in.
Post-match, the narrative was clear. Arsenal had used the occasion to flex their squad depth, maintain momentum, and book a place in the last 16 of the FA Cup. Wigan, for all their effort, were simply outclassed by a side operating several levels above. The Gunners now turn their attention to upcoming Premier League fixtures against Wolves and fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while Wigan refocus on their league survival mission.
For Arsenal, this was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent. The blend of youth and experience, the tactical flexibility, and the hunger for silverware were all on display. As for Wigan, the Emirates trip will serve as a learning experience—a reminder of the standards required at the top and a motivation to climb back up the football ladder.
As the final whistle sounded, there was little doubt about which team had asserted itself. Arsenal’s 4-0 lead at halftime proved insurmountable, and while the second half saw fewer fireworks, the Gunners’ professionalism shone through. With the FA Cup adventure continuing for Arsenal and Wigan left to regroup, the Emirates faithful departed with smiles, already dreaming of more cup glory ahead.