Arsenal in unbelievable six-year first as records tumble in brutal FA Cup mauling over Wigan

Arsenal have reached the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since 2020 – the last time they lifted the trophy.

The Gunners swept aside Wigan in a comfortable 4-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

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And there were multiple other records broken on an afternoon that saw Mikel Arteta‘s men run riot.

Since landing a record-extending 14th FA Cup in 2020, the Gunners have not gone beyond the fourth round.

In 2021, they were knocked out by Southampton in round four before succumbing to Nottingham Forest in the third round a year later.

Arsenal slipped to a 1-0 fourth-round defeat to Manchester City in 2023, while Liverpool claimed a 2-0 win at the Emirates in the third round in 2024.

And finally, former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim masterminded a dramatic penalty shootout win in north London in last season’s third round.

But there was no chance of a slip-up on Sunday afternoon.

Gunning for glory

Arteta’s side quickly found their groove against their League One opponents when Noni Madueke coolly finished to open the scoring after 11 minutes.

Gabriel Martinelli added a second seven minutes later before Jack Hunt’s own goal effectively brought an end to proceedings midway through the first half.

Martinelli’s strike saw him become the first player to score ten-plus goals in cup and European competitions in a single season for Arsenal since Ian Wright netted 12 in the 1994/95 campaign.

Gabriel Jesus then continued his impressive form in front of goal with a fourth on 27 minutes to conclude the scoring.

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The Brazilian’s goal ensured Arsenal became the first team since the Premier League’s inception in 1992 to score four goals in the opening 3-0 minutes of an FA Cup match.

It was a largely comfortable afternoon for Arteta despite losing defender Riccardo Calafiori to injury in the warm-up.

The Italian was replaced by Bukayo Saka who was handed captaincy duties in the process.

Arteta will be delighted to have quickly got back to winnings way after Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Brentford.

The Premier League leaders face a key run of fixtures in the coming weeks startling with Wednesday’s trip to basement boys Wolves.

There is the small matter of the north London derby to contend with next weekend at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before Chelsea head to the Emirates the following week.

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The Gunners are still firing on four fronts having already booked their place in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s men hold the key as to whether Arsenal can end their 20-year title drought in May.

But before the title race reaches it’s climax, they can also prevent Arsenal from ending their six-year trophy drought at next month’s Wembley showpiece.