Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his satisfaction following his team’s emphatic victory over Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the 2025/26 FA Cup, describing the performance as one of the most complete displays in recent weeks.
The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, saw the Premier League giants comfortably dispatch the League One side with a convincing 4-0 win, securing their place in the Round of 16 of England’s oldest cup competition.
From the opening whistle, Arsenal asserted their dominance and never allowed Wigan to settle into the game, showcasing the gulf in quality between the two sides.
Arteta Delighted With Overall Display
Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, Arteta did not hide his delight with what he saw from his players.
“We played really, really well today,” Arteta said.
“The team showed the right attitude, intensity, and quality throughout the match.”
The Spanish coach emphasized that the performance reflected the standards he expects, particularly in knockout competitions like the FA Cup, where mistakes can be costly.
First-Half Brilliance Set the Tone
According to Arteta, the foundation for Arsenal’s victory was laid during a dominant first half, in which his side scored all four goals and effectively decided the outcome of the match within the opening 45 minutes.
“We started the game extremely well,” Arteta explained.
“There were many positive actions, both collectively and individually. The first half was the real difference for us today.”
Arsenal’s quick ball movement, sharp pressing, and clinical finishing overwhelmed Wigan early on, leaving the visitors with little room to respond. The early goals allowed the Gunners to control the tempo and manage the game comfortably in the second half.
Rotation Pays Off During Busy Schedule
Arteta also highlighted his satisfaction at being able to rotate the squad, an important factor given Arsenal’s demanding fixture list across multiple competitions.
The manager confirmed that several players were rested, while others were given valuable minutes to maintain rhythm and match fitness.
“We made quite a few changes today, and some players needed game time,” Arteta noted.
“There are key players who didn’t feature because it’s important to keep everyone in a good place and ready to contribute when needed.”
This approach, Arteta believes, will be crucial as Arsenal continue to compete on multiple fronts during a congested period of the season.
Eyes on the Next Round
With qualification secured, Arsenal will now turn their attention to the FA Cup Round of 16 draw, which is scheduled to take place in the early hours of Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The Football Association will conduct the draw following the conclusion of the match between Macclesfield and Brentford, at which point Arsenal will discover their next opponent.
As momentum continues to build, Arteta will be hoping his side can carry this impressive form forward and remain strong contenders for silverware in the latter stages of the competition.
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