It has been a gruelling few months for the man who famously struck the winning goal for Crystal Palace in last season’s FA Cup final. However, after a demoralising half-time withdrawal during Thursday’s stalemate with Brentford, Eberechi Eze appears to have used this competition to breathe fresh life into his Arsenal tenure.
In a scintillating display at the Emirates, the England international recaptured the “swagger” that had been largely absent since his north London derby hat-trick in November. Orchestrating play from a deeper creative role alongside Christian Nørgaard, Eze provided the assists for both Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. While Wigan Athletic—currently languishing in the League One relegation zone—offered little resistance, the poise and vision displayed by Eze suggest a timely return to form.
A Tactical Necessity
Eze’s resurgence comes at a critical juncture for Mikel Arteta. With captain Martin Ødegaard sidelined by a knock and Kai Havertz facing a month out with a muscular injury, the Gunners’ attacking options have looked increasingly thin.
“That’s what I want from him,” Arteta remarked post-match. “We need players fit to give us not only numbers but different options. The quicker the better.”
Match Statistics and Rapid Blitz
Wigan’s interim management duo, Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow, attempted to stymie the 14-time winners with a conservative five-man defence. Their plan was dismantled within half an hour as Arsenal surged into a 4-0 lead by the 27th minute.
| Key Event | Minute | Player Involved | Detail |
| Goal | 12′ | Noni Madueke | Assisted by a sublime Eze through-ball |
| Goal | 19′ | Gabriel Martinelli | Eze provides the assist with his left foot |
| Own Goal | 24′ | Jack Hunt | Deflection following Saka/Madueke link-up |
| Goal | 27′ | Gabriel Jesus | Clinical finish from Nørgaard’s long pass |
| Substitution | 35′ | Matt Smith (IN) | Wigan switches to a back four to halt the rot |
Youth and Experience
The second half saw Arteta blood the next generation. Highly-rated 16-year-old defender Marli Salmon made his home debut, appearing comfortable on the ball as he shifted to right-back following Ben White’s withdrawal for treatment.
Wigan’s veteran defender Jack Hunt endured a miserable afternoon, eventually replaced by Arsenal academy graduate Matt Smith. Despite the scoreline, Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle emerged with credit, producing a string of outstanding saves in the final half-hour to deny Martinelli and Eze from extending the lead further.
As Arsenal keep their pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple alive, the focus shifts back to the Premier League. For Eze, this performance marks a defiant statement of intent; for Arteta, it is a reminder that even amidst an injury crisis, his squad possesses the depth to dismantle opposition with ruthless efficiency.