Arsenal emphatically advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup, defeating Wigan Athletic 4-0 at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The dominant performance, fueled by four goals in the opening 30 minutes, keeps the Gunners’ hopes alive for a potential quadruple this season. Mikel Arteta’s side showcased both attacking prowess and tactical flexibility in a convincing victory against their League One opponents, setting the stage for a challenging run in the competition.
The early onslaught saw Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and an own goal find the back of the net, effectively ending the contest before the half-hour mark. This victory marks Arsenal’s first time reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup since the 2019-20 season, when they ultimately lifted the trophy, ending a five-campaign drought at that stage of the tournament. The win also demonstrated Arsenal’s ability to rotate their squad effectively, with several players seizing the opportunity to impress.
Early Goals Set the Tone
Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring four goals within the first 30 minutes of the match. Madueke, Martinelli, and Jesus all found the net, while Wigan contributed to their own downfall with an own goal. According to Arsenal.com, Arteta was pleased with the performance and the intensity shown by his team, particularly in the opening stages. “We started so well,” Arteta told the BBC. “We made a lot of changes due to the fact that of players who needed minutes and deserve minutes as well. I’m very pleased with the way we started the game and the intensity that we showed, the connections between players and the threat we had.”
The quickfire goals allowed Arteta to experiment with his lineup and provide valuable minutes to players who have seen limited action recently. The manager highlighted the positive connections between players despite the changes made to the starting eleven.
Saka’s Central Role Experimented With
A notable tactical decision saw Bukayo Saka deployed in a central position, a move Arteta admitted he had been considering. “That’s something that’s a possibility and I wanted to try it, and we might utilize it in the future,” Arteta explained, as reported by Arsenal.com. The move allows Saka to be closer to goal and makes it more difficult for opponents to track his movements. “He’s more central, he’s closer to the goal,” Arteta added. “It’s a bit more difficult for the opponent to get his reference constantly.”
The experiment yielded positive results, with Saka showcasing his ability to interchange positions and find space in dangerous areas. Sportsmole.co.uk noted that Saka made an impression in the absence of several key playmakers.
Injury Concerns and Goalkeeper Opportunity
Despite the comfortable victory, Arsenal suffered a couple of injury concerns. Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are both doubts for upcoming matches, with Arteta stating they will be assessed over the next 48 hours. The Italian’s withdrawal before kickoff forced Myles Lewis-Skelly to revert to left-back, impacting the initial midfield plans.
The match also provided an opportunity for goalkeeper Tommy Setford to gain some playing time. Arteta emphasized the importance of giving all members of the squad a chance to contribute. “I think everybody has to feel that he’s got a chance,” Arteta said. “And if there are players, one of them would be Tommy for his attitude and the way he helps everybody every single day.”
What’s Next for Arsenal
Arsenal now turn their attention to a busy schedule, with upcoming matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday and Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The FA Cup fifth-round draw will also take place, determining their next opponent in the competition. Arteta will need to carefully manage his squad and monitor the fitness of Calafiori and White as the Gunners continue to compete on multiple fronts. The team’s ability to balance league, cup, and potential European commitments will be crucial as they chase silverware this season.
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