Arsenal scored four times in 17 first-half minutes to cruise through to the fifth round of the FA Cup with an emphatic 4-0 drubbing of League One Wigan.
Noni Madueke sent Mikel Arteta's rampant side on their way after 11 minutes before Gabriel Martinelli doubled the hosts' advantage eight minutes later.
Jack Hunt headed through his own net after 23 minutes and Arsenal were four to the good inside half-an-hour when Gabriel Jesus struck.
Arsenal failed to add to their tally, but their one-sided victory at the Emirates saw them advance beyond the fourth round for the first time since they won the FA Cup in 2020 and kept alive their outside chance of completing an unprecedented quadruple.
Arsenal vs Wigan live
- Arsenal host Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round | Live on TNT Sports 1
- Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Saka, Eze; Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus
- Wigan XI: Tickle; Fox, Aimson, Kerr; Hunt, Weir, Moxon, Murray; Raphael, Wright; Taylor
- GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Wigan (Madueke, 11 min)
- GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Wigan (Martinelli, 19 min)
- GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Wigan (Hunt og, 22 min)
- GOAL! Arsenal 4-0 Wigan (Jesus, 27 min)
Arteta 'very happy' with Eze show
Sunday 15 February 2026 19:24 , Lawrence OstlereArteta on Eze’s performance: "I think that's really positive, that's what I want from him. It's good for the mood, for the confidence, it's a really good thing. I'm very happy with that."
Full-time: Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:38 , Lawrence OstlereHere’s Noni Madueke, speaking after that 4-0 victory:
"They can be tricky sometimes if you don't apply yourself properly, but that wasn't the case with us today" 👊
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2026
Arsenal goalscorer Noni Madueke reflects on today's performance as they go through to the 5th Round of the FA Cup 🏆
🎙️ @DannyJamieson | 📺 @tntsports &… pic.twitter.com/f0vpdeAtkx
Match summary
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:31 , Lawrence OstlereArsenal scored four times in 17 first-half minutes to cruise through to the fifth round of the FA Cup with an emphatic 4-0 drubbing of League One Wigan.
Noni Madueke sent Mikel Arteta's rampant side on their way after 11 minutes before Gabriel Martinelli doubled the hosts' advantage eight minutes later.
Jack Hunt headed through his own net after 23 minutes and Arsenal were four to the good inside half-an-hour when Gabriel Jesus struck.
Arsenal failed to add to their tally, but their one-sided victory at the Emirates saw them advance beyond the fourth round for the first time since they won the FA Cup in 2020 and kept alive their outside chance of completing an unprecedented quadruple.
Full-time: Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:21 , Lawrence OstlereThe Gunners were far too good, but credit to Wigan for shutting out the Premier League leaders in the second half.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:18 , Lawrence Ostlere90 min: Eze tries a long-range strike but it’s blocked by a Wigan leg.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:16 , Lawrence Ostlere87 min: The 19-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford is going to get a few minutes here, replacing Kepa in Arsenal’s goal. Wigan fans greet him with volleys of “Who are ya?”
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:14 , Lawrence Ostlere85 min: Good play down the left side by Arsenal to free Zubimendi, who picks out Martinelli arriving in the box, but Tickle dives well to his left to make a very good one-handed save.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:12 , Lawrence Ostlere83 min: Will Aimson clatters Viktor Gyokeres, knowingly taking a booking for his team to stop a counterattack. Gyokeres is holding his left shoulder after falling to ground, but seems OK to continue for now.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:07 , Lawrence Ostlere79min: Martin Zubimendi is on for Arsenal, replacing Ben White, who appears to have yet another injury.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:07 , Lawrence Ostlere77 min: Among a raft of Wigan changes is 18-year-old Harrison Bettoni, who I’m told scored with his very first touch in professional football.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 18:04 , Lawrence Ostlere74 min: Eze is calling for a penalty after his pass was blocked by a Wigan arm in the box, but it was not “unnatural” as the rules state, and Wigan escape.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:58 , Lawrence Ostlere68 min: Martinelli races through on goal but he’s hunted down, which is rare. He spins around before crossing for Gyokeres, who heads down for Eze arriving in the box, but it’s not quite in the midfielder’s path and Wigan scramble clear.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:53 , Lawrence Ostlere63 min: White feeds Jesus who crosses low from the right side, but goalkeeper Tickle gets down well to push the ball clear of danger.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:50 , Lawrence Ostlere60 min: This one looks pre-planned. Here comes Marli Salmon, the 16-year-old defensive talent, replacing William Saliba on the hour after the French international recovered from a recent illness.
Noni Madueke has been brilliant and he’s also off, replaced by Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:48 , Lawrence Ostlere58 min: Arsenal fans in good voice here, though they might be feeling a little bit bored with the action on the pitch. I think Arteta is preparing some changes...
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:46 , Lawrence Ostlere55 min: Raphael has been quite impressive for Wigan and he skips down the wing, but can’t add the final touch to pick out Taylor in the box.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:38 , Lawrence Ostlere50 min: Almost a(nother) nightmare moment for Wigan, as Weir tries a back-pass to Tickle in goal but it’s overhit and flies through the six-yard box for a corner. The defender holds up an apologetic hand.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:35 , Lawrence Ostlere46 min: Arsenal have made one change at the break, as Viktor Gyokeres replaces Bukayo Saka, who is still working his way back to full fitness after injury.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:34 , Lawrence OstlereThe second half is underway! Can Wigan find a way back? Well, no. But let’s watch anyway.
Half-time: Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:22 , Lawrence OstlereOof, that Eze pass:
It's 1-0 early for Arsenal, and it's Noni Madueke who finishes brilliantly, but it's all about the Eberechi Eze assist 🤩
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2026
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/NBIvluViuU
Half-time: Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:18 , Lawrence Ostlere...but it’s not to be. Arsenal have been far too good.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:16 , Lawrence Ostlere44 min: Wigan are probing, looking for one more shot before half-time...
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:13 , Lawrence Ostlere41 min: Raphael cuts in from the right wing and gets a good shot off, which Kepa gets down well to save at his near post.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:10 , Lawrence Ostlere37 min: Eze whips in a corner which Tickle fumbles, but there’s no Arsenal player there to pinch the ball and keeper collects at the second attempt.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:06 , Lawrence Ostlere33 min: Huge chance for Wigan! A scrappy period of play around the edge of Arsenal’s box ends with the ball at the feet of Joe Taylor, who lashes a shot straight at Kepa. Either side and that would have been a goal.
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 17:01 , Lawrence Ostlere30 min: Wigan have already made a change. Jack Hunt is replaced by former Arsenal academy player Matt Smith – midfielder replacing defender – so that may require a reshuffle.
GOAL! Arsenal 4-0 Wigan (Jesus, 27 min)
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:58 , Lawrence OstlereNorgaard plays a high ball over the top and picks out Gabriel Jesus’s arcing run nicely. The Brazilian controls with his left before flicking it over the goalkeeper with his right, and that’s four!
Clever finish. Wigan players look at one another, aghast.
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:57 , Lawrence OstlereThis is getting pretty ugly for Wigan, who need to dig in. Interim manager Glenn Whelan’s side are in the relegation zone in League One and the gulf in quality is clear for all to see.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Wigan (Hunt og, 22 min)
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:55 , Lawrence OstlereThis is more messy but Arsenal won’t mind. Madueke flies down the right wing before slipping in Saka on the underlap. Saka’s first-time cross bounces around the box and into the net off defender Jack Hunt for an own goal.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Wigan (Martinelli, 19 min)
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:50 , Lawrence OstlereIt’s another Eze assist! He receives the ball in the left half-space and turns quickly before sliding a left-footed pass into the channel for Gabriel Martinelli to chase. The Brazilian uses he pace to race clear of the Wigan defence before firing past Sam Tickle in goal.
Arsenal 1-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:47 , Lawrence Ostlere17 min: Eze tries a little slide-rule pass into the box where White is arriving on the right side, but the full-back is just offside.
Arsenal 1-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:47 , Lawrence Ostlere15 min: That will settle Eze after being taken off at half-time in his last Premier League start. That is the sort of cutting edge Arsenal so often lack in open play, and it’s exactly why they signed him.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Wigan (Madueke, 11 min)
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:42 , Lawrence OstlereNo mistake from Madueke this time! It’s a lovely pass by Eze, cutting the entire Wigan team out with a straight ball through their half, and Noni Madueke races on to it before sliding a finish into the far corner.
The replays of that Eze pass from above show just how clever it was. Genius.
Arsenal 0-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:40 , Lawrence Ostlere8 min: Arsenal have settled in possession and are making Wigan do a lot of running. Arsenal go down the right and Madueke surges into the box before playing in White on the overlap, but White knows he’s offside and lets the ball run off the field. Madueke is perplexed, but he should have played the pass earlier.
Arsenal 0-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:38 , Lawrence Ostlere5 min: Eze fires a shot from the edge of the box which is deflected wide, and Arsenal will have the first corner of the game.
Arsenal 0-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:37 , Lawrence Ostlere3 min: Wigan have started confidently, here, passing the ball around the Emirates pitch and trying to go forwards when they get it.
Kick-off! Arsenal 0-0 Wigan
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:31 , Lawrence OstlereAnd they’re off!
Breaking: Saka replaces Calafiori in Arsenal team
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:30 , Lawrence OstlereCalafiori must have felt something in the warm-up. Saka starts, and captains, as Lewis-Skelly drops back to left-back. Perhaps Saka plays in midfield, or will that be Madueke?
Saka has replaced Calafiori in the starting lineup and will now captain the side 🚨
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 15, 2026
Ceadach O'Neill has also been called up to the bench. https://t.co/PtRuXwQpr5
Salmon on the bench for Gunners
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:27 , Lawrence OstlereWorth noting that 16-year-old Marli Salmon is on the bench for Arsenal today. He made an appearance in the previous round so don’t be surprised to see the academy talent get another opportunity here.
Match stats
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:22 , Chris WilsonThis is the first meeting between Arsenal and Wigan since the 2013/14 FA Cup semi-final, which is their only previous FA Cup encounter. After a 1-1 draw, the Gunners won 4-2 on penalties with current boss Mikel Arteta netting in the shootout.
Wigan have lost 10 of their 11 away games against Arsenal in all competitions – the other was a 2-1 win in April 2012 in the Premier League under Roberto Martinez.
Arteta deflects from Eze and Lewis-Skelly roles
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:17 , Lawrence OstlereMikel Arteta speaks, and ignore questions about Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly needing to impress him: “Big opportunity for all the players. We have a lot of games and a lot of competitions, and we need a very fresh team today.
“It’s not about individuals, today’s a new challenge and we have to be very ready.”
Wigan's 2013 FA Cup triumph
Sunday 15 February 2026 16:04 , Chris WilsonWhile the odds are stacked against Wigan this afternoon, the Latics did pull off one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in recent memory in 2013, when Roberto Martinez’s side beat Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City 1-0 in the final to lift the only major trophy in their history.
A 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison had seen the Latics move to their first ever FA Cup semi-final, where they eased past Milwall 2-0 at Wembley.
And while they set up for the final against Premier League runners-up Manchester City as huge underdogs, they produced a display that was fully deserving of the win they got, with plenty of attacking intent finally rewarded as Ben Watson’s 91st-minute header beat Joe Hart.
The Latics later set the unwanted record of being the first ever team to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season, but that day at Wembley will live long in the memory.
Arteta: 'We have to improve'
Sunday 15 February 2026 15:56 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had to say during his pre-match conference for the game:
“Every three days we are playing different competitions so we are so used to it. So we will reflect on the game [v Brentford], take the positive, the learnings for sure that we have to improve and go on Sunday again with the energy and the batteries fully charged to go and win the game.
On making changes, he added: “Yes, that's what we've been doing. I mean, try to make sure that everybody is a big part of what we are doing in different competitions and Sunday will be the same.”
Confirmed Wigan line-up
Sunday 15 February 2026 15:47 , Lawrence OstlereHere is how Wigan line up today. FA Cup winner Callum McManaman is among the substitutes.
Wigan XI: Tickle; Fox, Aimson, Kerr; Hunt, Weir, Moxon, Murray; Raphael, Wright; Taylor.
Subs: Savin, Sessegnon, Smith, Hungbo, McManaman, Costelloe, Saydee, Bettoni, Asamoah Jr.
Arsenal team news
Sunday 15 February 2026 15:32 , Lawrence OstlereSo Myles Lewis-Skelly will get a rare chance to play, and an even rarer crack playing in midfield. Mikel Arteta starts Christian Norgaard alongside him – Norgaard has only been used as a starter in cup competitions so far this season – with Eberechi Eze also in from the start after a difficult spell stuck on the fringes of the first team.
It’s a strong front line with Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all starting – Martinelli scored a hat-trick in the previous round against Portsmouth.
Bukayo Saka is part of a strong bench featuring Gabriel, Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres.
Confirmed Arsenal line-up
Sunday 15 February 2026 15:18 , Lawrence OstlereHere is how the Gunners line up today, as William Saliba returns to play in central defence.
Arsenal XI: Kepa, White, Mosquera, Saliba, Calafiori, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus.
Subs: Setford, Hincapie, Gabriel, Zubimendi, Rice, Trossard, Saka, Salmon, Gyokeres.
Team news
Sunday 15 February 2026 15:10 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next few minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides...
William Saliba is a doubt after missing the trip to Brentford due to illness. Kai Havertz was also absent, but Bukayo Saka returned to the bench. Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to replace David Raya in goal and there could be further changes.
Both Baba Adeeko and Luke Robinson have returned to training for the Latics, though this game could come too soon for the duo, and Harry McHugh and James Carragher will also likely miss out.
FA Cup matchdays in full
Sunday 15 February 2026 15:00 , Chris WilsonHere are the dates for the remaining rounds of FA Cup action.
Fifth round: Saturday 7 March 2026
Quarter-finals: Saturday 4 April 2026
Semi-finals: Saturday 25 April 2026
Final: Saturday 16 May 2026
When is FA Cup fifth-round draw? Date, start time, ball numbers and how to watch on TV
Sunday 15 February 2026 14:50 , Chris WilsonThe fifth-round draw will take place on Monday 16 February, likely ahead of Macclesfield’s tie against Brentford which kicks off at 7:30pm GMT.
The draw will take place in the broadcast before kick-off, which starts at 6:30pm, with the draw set to start at around 6:35pm GMT.
When is FA Cup fifth-round draw? Date, start time, ball numbers and TV
Glenn Whelan takes over as Latics boss
Sunday 15 February 2026 14:40 , Chris WilsonWigan come into the match with former Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan at the helm as interim manager, with the club having sacked head coach Ryan Lowe last weekend after a 6-1 demolition at the hands of Peterborough.
Whelan takes charge along with Latics assistant Graham Barrow, who has previously been Wigan caretaker boss on a number of occasions (and who played for the club for several years in the 1980s).
And Whelan revealed that he made a call to former teammate and current Brentford boss Keith Andrews ahead of the game, saying it was “the first thing I’ve done this morning”.
“Especially with him and Stephen Rice on the set plays - we’re all pulling in the same direction,” explained Whelan on a podcast, before labelling Andrews’ stint with the Bees so far as “unbelievable”.
Match stats
Sunday 15 February 2026 14:25 , Chris WilsonArsenal are looking to reach the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since 2019/20, when they went on to win the competition. This is only their third tie at this stage since then.
Wigan have won their last six away matches in the FA Cup, conceding just one goal in this run. They’ve already had one run of seven away wins in the competition from January 2013 to March 2014 – should they win here it would be just the fifth ever run of seven away wins in a row by a team in FA Cup history (first round onwards).
Mikel Arteta explains Eberechi Eze’s half-time substitution as Arsenal draw at Brentford
Sunday 15 February 2026 14:12 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has explained why Eberechi Eze was substituted at half-time during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Brentford as the England international’s struggles for the Gunners continued.
Eze managed just 17 touches in a disappointing attacking performance from Arsenal overall, with Arteta’s side having just one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
Eze was replaced by captain Martin Odegaard at the break, leading to an improved display from Arsenal in the second half, although Noni Madueke’s opener was cancelled out by Keane Lewis-Potter.
Arteta explains Eze’s half-time substitution as Arsenal draw at Brentford
Arsenal blow their chance at Brentford to highlight vital change needed to hold off Man City
Sunday 15 February 2026 14:00 , Miguel DelaneyHere’s the report from Arsenal’s last match – a potentially damaging draw with Brentford...
Arsenal did the difficult part, but then faltered at what they’re supposed to be best at, making this title challenge that bit more testing. Except, much of that was down to Brentford. Keith Andrews’s side beat – or perhaps drew with – Arsenal at their own game.
Brentford fully deserved Keane Lewis-Potter’s set-piece equaliser, and the 1-1 draw ultimately leaves Arsenal’s lead down to just four points.
They even looked likelier to win it at the end, Gabriel Martinelli’s late chance only came after Arsenal required crucial interventions from Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice.
Arsenal blow their chance at Brentford to highlight key change needed
Is Arsenal v Wigan on TV?
Sunday 15 February 2026 13:50 , Chris WilsonIt will be shown on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+, with all the build-up following the earlier match between Grimsby Town and Wolves. Kick-off at the Emirates is 4:30pm.
Predicted line-ups
Sunday 15 February 2026 13:45 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori; Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Jesus
Wigan XI: Tickle; Fox, Aimson, Kerr; Hunt, Weir, Smith, Murray; Bettoni, Wright; Taylor
Team news
Sunday 15 February 2026 13:40 , Chris WilsonBoth Baba Adeeko and Luke Robinson have returned to training for the Latics, though this game could come too soon for the duo, and Harry McHugh and James Carragher will also likely miss out.
Team news
Sunday 15 February 2026 13:36 , Chris WilsonWilliam Saliba is a doubt after missing the trip to Brentford due to illness. Kai Havertz was also absent, but Bukayo Saka returned to the bench. Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to replace David Raya in goal and there could be further changes.
Arsenal vs Wigan live
Sunday 15 February 2026 13:32 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s pursuit of silverware on four fronts continues as Mikel Arteta’s side host League One’s Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round.
It’s the first meeting of the teams in almost 12 years, and since their FA Cup semi-final in April 2014. Arteta was one of the scorers in the shootout as Arsenal defeated holders Wigan on penalties to advance to the final, where the Gunners ended their nine-year trophy drought by coming from behind to beat Hull City at Wembley.
Wigan, who were relegated from the Premier League the season before, are currently languishing in the relegation places in League One and sacked Ryan Lowe last week, having lost four matches in a row. But they did win at Championship outfit Preston in the third round to set up a daunting trip to the Premier League leaders.
Arsenal stumbled in their pursuit of their Premier League title on Thursday night as they were held 1-1 by Brentford. With a trip to Wolves to come on Wednesday, Arteta could make several changes.
Good afternoon
Sunday 15 February 2026 13:28 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live blog coverage of today’s FA Cup fourth round tie between Arsenal and Wigan at the Emirates.
The Gunners look to keep their quadruple hunt going with a home win over the Latics, while the former Premier League stalwarts look to cause an upset in the midst of a disappointing season so far at the Brick Community Stadium.
We’ll have all the latest team news and updates here.
