{"id":14589,"date":"2026-02-16T10:57:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T07:57:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=14589"},"modified":"2026-02-16T10:57:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T07:57:39","slug":"arsenal-4-0-wigan-ruthless-first-half-blitz-sends-gunners-into-fa-cup-last-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/football-news\/arsenal-4-0-wigan-ruthless-first-half-blitz-sends-gunners-into-fa-cup-last-16\/","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal 4-0 Wigan: Ruthless First-Half Blitz Sends Gunners into FA Cup Last 16"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Arsenal delivered a devastating first-half performance to crush Wigan Athletic 4-0 in the FA Cup Round of 32, sealing qualification before halftime in a one-sided contest. Inspired by Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, the Gunners reminded fans why they remain serious contenders for domestic silverware this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Kenyan football fans following the FA Cup closely, this was a masterclass in attacking football from Mikel Arteta\u2019s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explosive Start Sets the Tone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal wasted no time asserting its dominance at the Emirates Stadium. The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute<\/strong>, when Noni Madueke<\/strong> finished calmly after a brilliant assist from Eberechi Eze<\/strong>, giving Arsenal an early lead and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Gunners doubled their advantage just seven minutes later<\/strong>. Once again, Eze was the architect, setting up Gabriel Martinelli<\/strong>, who made no mistake in finding the net. At 2-0, Arsenal were in complete control, stretching Wigan\u2019s defence with pace and creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wigan Collapses Under Pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Things quickly went from bad to worse for the visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 23rd minute<\/strong>, Wigan defender James Hunt accidentally turned the ball into his own net<\/strong>, handing Arsenal a comfortable 3-0 lead. The own goal summed up Wigan\u2019s difficult evening as they struggled to cope with Arsenal\u2019s relentless attacking pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just four minutes later<\/strong>, Arsenal completed the first-half demolition. Gabriel Jesus<\/strong> got on the scoresheet in the 27th minute<\/strong>, finishing a move assisted by Christian Norgaard<\/strong> to make it 4-0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the half-hour mark, the match was effectively over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arsenal
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Professional Second-Half Game Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With qualification secured, Arsenal shifted focus to controlling the game and preserving energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arteta introduced several substitutions, including Viktor Gy\u00f6keres, Leandro Trossard, and Martin Zubimendi<\/strong>, giving key players rest while maintaining stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite creating a few chances, Arsenal did not add to their tally in the second half. However, their defensive organisation ensured Wigan never threatened a comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Gunners comfortably saw out the match, securing a clean sheet and avoiding injuries in what became a perfect cup outing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Match Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n