First-half blitz sees Arsenal into FA Cup fifth round
Arsenal eased into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium, where all the Gunners' goals came in the first 27 minutes.
Watch the FA Cup LIVE on beIN SPORTS in NZ | Sign up to take advantage of our 7-day FREE TRIAL here
The Gunners became the first Premier League team to score four goals in the opening half-hour of an FA Cup tie, as they overcame the frustration of seeing full-back Riccardo Calafiori pull up injured in the warm-up.
Eberechi Eze cast aside criticism of his performances by assisting the first two goals, teeing up Noni Madueke for a side-footed finish then offloading for Gabriel Martinelli to pick out the bottom corner from the left side of the area.
There was a huge hint of fortune about Arsenal's third goal as Bukayo Saka – a late replacement for Calafiori in the lineup – provided a dangerous centre that Jack Hunt turned past his own goalkeeper.
It was 4-0 soon afterwards as Christian Norgaard slipped Gabriel Jesus in behind, and the Brazilian confidently lifted his finish over Sam Tickle.
Kepa Arrizabalaga made a good save to deny Joe Taylor and preserve Arsenal's clean sheet, then Viktor Gyokeres smashed an effort against the foot of the near post, having replaced Saka at half-time.
Eze lashed into the side netting and Martinelli saw a header brilliantly kept out by Tickle as Wigan, who are still seeking a new manager after sacking Ryan Lowe last week, avoided suffering any further damage.


























