FA Cup: Eze inspires Arsenal 4-0 rout of Wigan

Eberechi Eze delivered a statement performance as Arsenal dismantled Wigan Athletic 4-0 to reach the FA Cup fifth round.

After drawing crticism following his recent dip in form, Eze responded strong. The England international dictated the tempo from the outset and provided two decisive assists inside the opening 20 minutes, setting Arsenal on course for a comfortable night.

Early impact sets the tone

Eze’s first contribution came in the 11th minute. Spotting space behind the defence, he slid a precise through ball into the path of Noni Madueke, who finished confidently to open the scoring.

Eight minutes later, Eze repeated the blueprint. Another incisive pass split Wigan’s back line and released Gabriel Martinelli, who calmly slotted home his 10th cup goal of the season.

Arsenal’s dominance intensified. A driven cross from Bukayo Saka forced an own goal from Jack Hunt before Gabriel Jesus beat the offside trap to collect a lofted pass and finish beyond goalkeeper Sam Tickle on 27 minutes.

The Gunners became the first Premier League side to score four times within the opening 30 minutes of an FA Cup tie. The contest was effectively over before half-time.

Creative control throughout

Although the scoring stopped after the break, Eze remained central to Arsenal’s attacking play.

He drifted between the lines, linked midfield to attack and tested Tickle with a low effort that drew a strong save.

Substitute Viktor Gyokeres struck the post as Arsenal continued to press, but the urgency of the first half was no longer required.