LATICS ‘OUTGUNNED’ IN NORTH LONDON

Despite giving it everything in front of a sold-out away end at the Emirates Stadium, Latics fell to a 4-0 defeat in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round.

Latics went into the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round tie under interim charge, with Graham Barrow and Glenn Whelan taking the reins. Both men know what it takes to go deep in this competition, with Whelan having reached the 2011 Emirates FA Cup Final with Stoke City and Barrow being part of the Coaching Team that guided Latics to FA Cup glory in 2013, and then to the Semi-Final a year later.                                                                                          

Under the bright lights of one of English football’s most iconic arenas, Latics once again embraced the underdog tag as Arsenal, who lead the way in the Premiership and the Champions League, named a very strong starting XI.                                                                                

Latics' Interim Head Coaches Whelan and Barrow made three changes from the midweek outing against Reading. Owen Moxon replaced former Arsenal man Matt Smith in the engine room, while Raphael Borges Rodrigues and Joe Taylor coming in for Harrison Bettoni and Christian Saydee in attack. 2013 FA Cup winner Callum McManaman was named on the bench for Latics.                                                                                                                                  

Barrow, Whelan, and the players weren't alone, as over 5,000 Latics supporters were inside the Emirates stadium – and were loud and proud from the first minute one. The fans represented the Club with real passion in what was the largest away following in many years.   

Latics opened the game brightly, but Arsenal quickly settled into their rhythm, which saw the game's first goal of the game just 11 minutes into proceedings. Eze's defence-splitting pass through the middle of Latics' defence allowed MADUEKE to get in behind and slot into the back of the net.                                                                                                                             

Arsenal were keeping possession well, which later produced their second goal of the afternoon. Eze was again the architect from the middle of the park, this time picking out MARTINELLI, who curved his run and got in behind the Latics defence to finish past Sam Tickle and into the far corner of the goal.                                                                                                         

The third didn't come too long after. Madueke managed to work a yard for himself before bursting down the right wing to feed Bukayo Saka. He was allowed to cut the ball back into the danger zone towards a flurry of red and white shirts, with the decisive touch coming off HUNT who rushed his defensive header and saw it fly into his own goal.                               

Latics had a big shout for a penalty shortly after, but when referee Tim Robinson waved play on, the Gunners grabbed another. Christian Norgaard floated a ball beyond the Wigan backline, and Gabriel JESUS took it down nicely and clipped a neat, lobbed shot over Tickle and in for the home side's fourth of the game.                                                                                         

It wasn't all going Arsenal's way, with Latics coming forward with an attack of their own when a flick over William Saliba fell to the feet of Joe Taylor. The number ten eventually was able to poke a shot at goal from close range, but Kepa Arrizabalaga was alert and stopped with a strong right hand.                                                                                                                  

Half Time; Arsenal 4-0 Wigan Athletic.

As Latics strode out for the second half, although behind, they had another 45 minutes to give it their best shot in front of a packed-out Emirates Stadium.                                              

An early chance fell the way of the Gunners when Viktor Gyokeres latched onto a through ball inside the 18-yard box and struck towards goal but a vital touch from Will Aimson at the last second diverted it onto the post and away to safety.                                                          

Latics firmly held their own in the second half, not bad against the Premiership champions elect and arguably the top side in Europe at present. They limited Arsenal to fewer opportunities, but one key chance called Sam Tickle into action when a Martin Zubimendi cross was met inside the area, but Wigans keeper did well to keep the effort out with a one-handed stop down low.