• Wigan Athletic exited the FA Cup when they were defeated 4-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
• Latics needed to keep it tight in the early stages but they conceded in the 11th minute when Eberechi Eze played a through ball for Noni Madueke who finished past Sam Tickle.
• The hosts doubled their lead on 18 minutes when Eze provided another assist for Gabriel Martinelli to finish into the corner.
• Matters got worse on 23 minutes when Jack Hunt headed into his own net as he tried to make a clearance.
• It looked as though the Gunners would go on to get a big score as they added a fourth on 27 minutes. Christian Norgaard played in Gabriel Jesus and the striker chipped the ball over the advancing Tickle.
• But Latics rallied and Kepa Arrizabalaga produced an excellent save to deny Joe Taylor from close range.
• Latics continued to work hard in the second half to keep the score down and Arsenal also took their foot off the accelerator.
• Tickle made some good saves and the Latics defenders made some important blocks and the score remained at 4-0.
• The Premier League leaders deservedly advanced to the fifth round but Latics had acquitted themselves reasonably well given the difference in class and resources.

Latics’ Interim Head Coaches Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow made three changes from the midweek defeat against Reading. Owen Moxon replaced Matt Smith in midfield, while Raphael and Joe Taylor replaced Harrison Bettoni and Christian Saydee.

Latics needed to keep it tight in the early stages but unfortunately they conceded in only the 11th minute when Eze played a through ball for Madueke who finished past Tickle. 

The Gunners doubled their lead on 18 minutes when Eze provided another assist for Martinelli to finish into the corner.

It was one-way traffic and the hosts added a third on 23 minutes when Hunt headed into his own net as he tried to make a clearance.

Latics just weren’t doing themselves any favours as they were allowing plenty of space behind the backline.

Arsenal were playing balls in behind and they added a fourth goal when another ball over the top found Jesus who took it down before clipping it over Tickle and into the net.

A rare Latics attack resulted in a chance for Taylor. The Huddersfield loanee was able to poke an effort at goal but Arrizabalaga made an excellent close range save.

The visitors knew they would have to be improved in the second half if they weren’t to be embarrassed by the hosts.

Substitute Viktor Gyokeres nearly increased the Gunners lead when he latched onto a through ball inside the box and struck towards goal but Will Aimson did well to divert the ball onto the post and away to safety.

Latics continued to work hard throughout the second half to keep the score down and Arsenal also took their foot off the accelerator.

Tickle had to make several important saves and the defenders made some last ditch blocks.

The score remained at 4-0, Arsenal comfortably progressed to the FA Cup fifth round and Latics exited the competition.

Overview

Arsenal away was probably the hardest draw of the FA Cup fourth round. The Premier League leaders are in fine form and have strength in great depth.

Latics are currently in disarray after the sacking of Ryan Lowe and the difference between the two sides was for all to see in the first half hour at the Emirates.

The hosts were too sharp, quick and skilful for the League One strugglers.

Latics just weren’t doing themselves any favours as they were allowing plenty of space behind the backline which the Gunners quickly exploited.

Latics are low in confidence and some poor defending had not helped their cause.

It could easily have been a double figures defeat but Latics were improved in the second half and they defended much better.

The Premier League leaders deservedly advanced to the next round but Latics had acquitted themselves reasonably well given the difference in class and resources.

The priority now is to get a new management team in place and to initiate the great escape from the League One relegation zone.

Post-match comments

Afterwards interim Head Coach Whelan spoke to the media.

“After half an hour, everyone was holding their breath to see if it would be a cricket score,” Whelan admitted. 

“A lot of credit has to go to the lads. At half-time, we had a chat and spoke about rectifying and trying to work a way out of the situation.

“It was tough, but we dug in really well, and the lads put in a great shift.

“We had a game plan – we wanted to be nice and compact, but one or two lads jumped out of shape trying to get after the players, and the quality Arsenal have, they punish you with every mistake.

“We were 4-0 down at half-time, which wasn’t great, but we spoke about building blocks for the last 16 games, and I think the second half is something we can take credit for.

“We showed a little bit of guts when other teams would’ve folded. 

“You can never question the lads’ willingness to work hard and fight for the badge and fans. There is a lack of quality at times throughout the group, but it’s not from a lack of endeavour. 

“It’s a great learning curve for everyone – staff included – to come and play at a place like this.

“At times, we caught them on the break, and Joe (Taylor) could’ve scored on another day.

“Our season starts on Wednesday. It’s a 16-game season – we need to fight, battle, and get some wins on the board.

“We need to turn our form around to have a fighting chance of staying up. 

We don’t believe we are going to get down, but we now need to stop talking and putting in performances that are good for the fans.”

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