Arsenal look to reach the fifth round for the first time in six years as Wigan visit the Emirates

Arsenal return to FA Cup action on Sunday with a fourth-round tie against League One strugglers Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking for a response after Thursday’s frustrating 1-1 Premier League draw away to Brentford, a result which reduced their lead at the top and offered another reminder that margins are tightening.

With the title race heating up and Arsenal still targeting silverware on multiple fronts, the FA Cup remains an important part of their trophy ambitions this season.

Arsenal began their cup run in convincing fashion in the third round, sweeping past Portsmouth 4-1 with a set-piece-heavy display that underlined their growing threat from dead-ball situations.

The Emirates has also remained a source of confidence, with Arsenal winning their last three home matches in all competitions since being beaten there by Manchester United.

However, Sunday’s tie comes with a familiar warning attached, because Arsenal have not progressed beyond this stage of the competition since lifting the trophy in 2020.

That record only sharpens the sense that this is a game they must treat with full focus, regardless of the difference in league status.

Wigan Athletic arrive in North London after producing one of the shocks of the third round, beating Championship side Preston North End 1-0 away from home.

Harrison Bettoni scored the winner in that game, and it earned the Latics a second straight appearance in the fourth round.

Wigan’s domestic form has been far less convincing, though, and their struggles in League One have left them in the relegation zone.

They have lost five and drawn one of their last six league matches, a run that contributed to the departure of manager Ryan Lowe.

The visitors are currently being led by an interim coaching team, with the club still searching for a permanent appointment.

Wigan’s recent results suggest this is a difficult moment for them to walk into a stadium like the Emirates, but cup football has a habit of changing the script.

Arsenal will know that early control, quick tempo and a professional edge are the simplest ways to prevent Sunday from becoming uncomfortable.

Progress is the priority, but the Gunners will also want a performance that restores momentum before the next run of league fixtures.

The post Arsenal look to reach the fifth round for the first time in six years as Wigan visit the Emirates first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.