By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Premier League log leaders Arsenal defeated Wigan Athletic 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The Gunners, fresh from a 1-1 draw at Brentford, took full advantage of the home fixture, making sweeping changes to their lineup and capitalizing on Wigan’s recent turmoil.
Eberechi Eze picked up the ball near the halfway line and played a defence-splitting pass for Noni Madueke who finished confidently past Sam Tickle.
The hosts doubled their advantage seven minutes later, with Eze again providing an excellent assist – this time for Gabriel Martinelli to finish into the corner.
Arsenal extended their lead when Jack Hunt scored an unfortunate own goal as he tried a clearance after good work between Bukayo Saka and Madueke.
Saka was a late addition to the Gunners’ starting XI, after Riccardo Calafiori pulled out of the warm-up with an injury, and the England winger played in an unfamiliar central midfield role.
Saka’s midfield partner for the day, Christian Norgaard, set up Gabriel Jesus for Arsenal’s fourth, with the striker cleverly chipping over the onrushing Tickle.
Arsenal had not reached the fifth round since 2020 – the last time they won this competition, in Mikel Arteta’s first season in charge, and their most recent trophy.
Meanwhile Fulham staged a second-half comeback to beat Stoke City 2-1 and Sunderland overcame the spirited challenge of Championship strugglers Oxford United at The Kassam Stadium.
Elsewhere Leeds United (1) 4 beat Birmingham (1) 2 in a penalty shootout to squeeze into the FA Cup fifth round for the third time in four years and Wolves overcame resolute Grimsby Town in challenging conditions at Blundell Park to reach the FA Cup fifth round.