Arsenal cruised into the FA Cup fifth round with a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of League One strugglers Wigan at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Premier League leaders were ruthless in dispatching their lower-league opponents, with all four goals arriving before the half-hour mark.
Noni Madueke opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, curling home following a delightful through ball from Eberechi Eze.
Gabriel Martinelli doubled the advantage shortly before the 20-minute mark with a composed finish into the far corner.
An unfortunate own goal from Wigan defender Jack Hunt made it three, before Gabriel Jesus completed the rout with a deft chip over goalkeeper Sam Tickle.
Mikel Arteta’s preparations were disrupted shortly before kick-off when Riccardo Calafiori was forced to withdraw from the starting lineup.
The 23-year-old Italian defender had been selected at left-back but was removed from the team at the last moment.
Bukayo Saka was drafted into the side and handed the captain’s armband, taking up a midfield role with freedom to roam centrally.
Arsenal cruised into the FA Cup fifth round with a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of League One strugglers Wigan
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Myles Lewis-Skelly, originally set to feature in midfield, shifted across to cover at left-back.
This marked the second occasion this season that Calafiori has pulled out after warming up, having suffered a similar setback against Brighton in December due to a calf problem.
Arsenal’s blistering opening spell proved far too much for a side languishing in the League One relegation zone.
Eze was instrumental throughout, operating as a deep-lying playmaker and providing gorgeous assists for both Madueke and Martinelli.
Eze was instrumental throughout
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The hosts dominated possession entirely, registering nine shots to Wigan’s two in the opening 45 minutes while enjoying 71 per cent of the ball.
Wigan’s travelling supporters attempted to lift spirits by chanting “Olé!” with each completed pass, though their team could barely gain a foothold against Arsenal’s relentless pressing.
The visitors did improve after switching to a back four following Hunt’s departure, but the damage had already been done.
Arsenal will now enter Monday night’s fifth round draw as they maintain their pursuit of silverware across four competitions this season.
Bukayo Saka was drafted into the side and handed the captain’s armband
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The comfortable victory means Arteta’s squad can continue their multi-front challenge without expending unnecessary energy against limited opposition.
Wigan, currently without a permanent manager following Ryan Lowe’s departure, must now refocus their attention on avoiding relegation from League One.
The match was played without VAR, as is standard at this stage of the competition, resulting in just two minutes of added time at the end of each half.
Arsenal’s 16-year-old academy prospect Salmon made an appearance as a second-half substitute.