# Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic: Gunners Seek FA Cup Revival Against Struggling Latics

URL: https://technosports.co.in/arsenal-vs-wigan-athletic-gunners-seek-fa-cup/  
Published: 2026-02-14  
Updated: 2026-02-14  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

**Arsenal** host **Wigan Athletic** in a nostalgic FA Cup fourth-round clash on Sunday, repeating their memorable 2013-14 semi-final encounter. While the Gunners chase an unprecedented quadruple, the League One strugglers arrive in crisis mode after a managerial change.

## Arsenal vs Wigan Match Overview

| **Details** | **Information** |
| --- | --- |
| **Kick-off** | Sunday, Feb 15 – TBC |
| **Venue** | Emirates Stadium, London |
| **Competition** | FA Cup Fourth Round |
| **Last Meeting** | Arsenal 1-1 Wigan (2013-14 Semi, Arsenal won on penalties) |
| **Prediction** | Arsenal 4-0 Wigan Athletic |

## Arsenal’s Quadruple Quest

The record 14-time FA Cup champions haven’t lifted the trophy since their 2020 triumph at an empty Wembley. Mikel Arteta’s side obliterated Portsmouth 4-1 in the third round, with Gabriel Martinelli’s hat-trick highlighting a set-piece masterclass—all four goals came from dead-ball situations.

However, Thursday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Brentford has raised concerns about “bottling” their title challenge. The Gunners now sit just four points ahead of Manchester City, making rotation in this FA Cup tie a delicate balancing act.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/image-903-1024x683.png)

The Emirates provides sanctuary—Arsenal have won their last three home matches since Manchester United’s shock victory. With [Arsenal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenal_F.C.) leading the set-piece scoring charts this FA Cup season, expect more creative delivery against overmatched opposition.

## Wigan’s Perfect Storm

What a nightmare period for the Latics! After shocking Championship side Preston North End 1-0 in the third round thanks to Harrison Bettoni’s strike, Wigan have collapsed spectacularly. Five defeats and one draw from their last six League One matches—including a humiliating 6-1 thrashing at Peterborough—cost Ryan Lowe his job.

Now in the relegation zone, Wigan operate under interim management while targeting Exeter boss Gary Caldwell as a permanent replacement. The timing couldn’t be worse for a trip to face quadruple-chasing Arsenal.

The 2012-13 FA Cup champions haven’t reached the fifth round since shocking Manchester City in 2017-18, and their current form suggests this [FA Cup journey](https://technosports.co.in) ends at the Emirates.

## Nostalgic Reunion

The last Arsenal-Wigan meeting produced drama in the 2013-14 semi-finals, where Lukasz Fabianski’s penalty heroics sent the Gunners to the final they eventually won. That victory began Arsenal’s modern FA Cup dominance, but subsequent fourth-round exits to Southampton (2020-21) and Manchester City (2022-23) have halted progress.

## Tactical Mismatch

Arsenal’s set-piece prowess will terrorize Wigan’s makeshift defense. The Gunners scored from four consecutive corners against Portsmouth, showcasing tactical sophistication that League One sides simply cannot replicate.

For Wigan, survival—not victory—is the realistic aim. Interim bosses Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow face an impossible task against [Premier League leaders](https://technosports.co.in) playing at home with revenge on their minds after the Brentford setback.

## What’s at Stake

Arsenal need to restore confidence while managing squad freshness across four competitions. For Wigan, the FA Cup offers temporary escapism from relegation worries, though another heavy defeat could deepen their crisis.

Expect Arteta to rotate but maintain quality—Arsenal’s second string remains vastly superior to struggling League One opposition. Martinelli may get another opportunity to shine, while fringe players compete for increased first-team opportunities.

## FAQs

### **Q: When was the last time Arsenal and Wigan met?**

The teams last met in the 2013-14 FA Cup semi-finals, where Arsenal won on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Lukasz Fabianski the hero.

### **Q: Can Wigan pull off another FA Cup shock?**

  
Highly unlikely—Wigan are in crisis with five losses in six games, a managerial change, and languish in League One’s relegation zone.