FA Cup: Arsenal thrash Wigan as devastating blitz keeps quadruple alive

Arsenal stormed into the FA Cup fifth round by demolishing League One Wigan 4-0, scoring four times in the opening 27 minutes to keep their quadruple hopes firmly on track.

Any fears of a cup upset were instantly extinguished at the Emirates Stadium.

The Premier League giants cut through their third-tier opponents with ruthless efficiency to seal the tie before the half-hour mark.

Eberechi Eze, operating in a deeper playmaker role, unlocked the defence with two sublime passes early on.

Those precise deliveries allowed Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli to slot home emphatic finishes inside the first 20 minutes.

Relentless Gunners run riot

The onslaught continued as Wigan defender Jack Hunt inadvertently headed into his own net shortly after.

Matters worsened for the visitors when Hunt was caught out by a Christian Norgaard long ball moments later.

Gabriel Jesus capitalised on the space, lifting a composed finish over the goalkeeper to make it four.

The match was effectively over as a contest with the home side completely dominant in possession.

Kepa preserves the clean sheet

Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga enjoyed a largely quiet afternoon between the sticks.

However, the Spaniard remained alert to deny Joe Taylor from close range to preserve the shutout.

He was called upon again to stop Raphael Rodrigues’ effort from finding the bottom corner.

Viktor Gyokeres almost added a fifth for the hosts, seeing his deflected strike cannon off the woodwork.

Quadruple dream continues

The comprehensive victory ensures the north London club remain competitive on all four fronts this season.

They will discover their next opponents when the draw takes place before Macclesfield host Brentford on Monday.

Attention now turns back to the Premier League, with a clash against Wolves looming just two days later.