'We are not thinking about the derby'published at 15:04 GMT 16 February
15:04 GMT 16 February
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus insists their full focus is on the "tough game" at Wolves despite the upcoming north London derby.
The Gunners travel to Molineux on Wednesday (20:00 GMT) before facing Tottenham away from home on Sunday (16:30).
Jesus said: "We are not thinking about the derby. We are only thinking about Wolves on Wednesday and that is a tough game away.
"We know the situation they are in but they are an amazing team, an amazing club, and we are aware they need points to get out of their situation.
"So, our focus is to go to Wolves, get the three points and that is it."
Arsenal are still hunting silverware in four different competitions and Jesus says they have to "keep believing".
"There is still a long way to go," he added.
"Obviously, we know we are alive in all the competitions. We keep believing that we have to go game by game. At the end of the season, we will see where we are."
'We need some players back' - Arteta published at 11:58 GMT 16 February
11:58 GMT 16 February
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted his sides growing injury list is a concern as the Gunners look to push for silverware in four competitions this season.
Riccardo Calafiori pulled out of the warm-up against Wigan while Ben White was brought off 10 minutes from time in the FA Cup tie, but has since confirmed on social media he did not pick up an injury.
Captain Martin Odegaard, who picked up a knock against Brentford in midweek, did not feature at all against the Latics.
Asked if he was worried his squad was getting thin, Arteta said: "Yes. Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders and now it is the midfielders [getting injured].
"We are coping with that but we need some players back and fit, not only for numbers but different options in relation to the opponents we have, so the quicker they are back the better."
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:57 GMT 16 February
11:57 GMT 16 February
Media caption,
We asked for your views on Sunday's FA Cup fourth round win against Wigan Athletic.
Here are some of your comments:
Rachel: I've waited a long time to see my dream team start an Arsenal match! Loved the combination of Saka, Madueke, Eze and Martinelli. Particularly enjoyed Saka in the Martin Odegaard role. Creatively this worked and aesthetically it was a joy to behold.
Stephen: Glad we tried a new striking setup that actually puts our most creative, high-impact attackers in their best positions - especially with Madueke and Saka starting, and Eze operating at 10. It was long overdue: we've looked predictable for a while, and with set-piece goals drying up we needed a different route to goal. Yes, it's "only" Wigan - but credit to Arteta for using the game to test something new. Hopefully he goes back to it (or at least keeps the flexibility) in the next one.
Matthew: Good performance from Arsenal. They looked organised, sharp in attack and never really looked in trouble. Solid result and a good sign for the season.
Martin: Nice to get it done in half an hour and then rotate. Even the third goalkeeper Sefton got some minutes. Furthest Arsenal have got since they won it in 2020, too. All the best to Wigan as they try and survive in League One.
Kay: Felt bad for the young kids in the crowd. For some it's their first live game. If I were in their shoes I'd be gutted to see them not come out of first gear in the second half.
Big Al: We played with no pressure of 'we can't lose this game' which is how we're playing in the Prem and we showed that Saka and Noni can both play on the right. There are lots of games left so we can rotate.
Lou: We have to channel this positivity for the coming key fixtures in the Premier League and the cups for the rest of the season.
Analysis: Gunners make rapid start and ease throughpublished at 08:20 GMT 16 February
08:20 GMT 16 February
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
This win was as comfortable as Mikel Arteta would have hoped for before kick-off as his much-rotated side cruised through.
Bukayo Saka was able to get some minutes in midfield as he continues to build up his match fitness after recovering from a hip issue.
The 24-year-old has played in central areas for Arsenal before and appeared comfortable enough in midfield on Sunday, linking the play as the hosts dominated.
Cup competitions have been a happy place for Saka's fellow winger Gabriel Martinelli this season - and so it proved again.
The Brazil attacker has scored just once in the Premier League this term, but has now netted 10 times in 13 games in European and cup competitions.
Martinelli is also now the first player to score 10-plus goals in cup and European competitions in a single campaign for Arsenal since Ian Wright in 1994-95 (12).
The Gunners were also able to give home debuts to 16-year-old Marli Salmon in the second half as the young defender replaced William Saliba and 19-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford came on for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arteta used the occasion to try to give some squad members a confidence boost and much-needed minutes, including Eberechi Eze - who was substituted at half-time during Arsenal's draw with Brentford in midweek but added two quality assists against Wigan.
The win means Arsenal are still in four competitions as they look to end their six-year wait for a trophy.
When is FA Cup fifth-round draw?published at 08:16 GMT 16 February
08:16 GMT 16 February
Image source, Getty Images
The 2025-26 FA Cup fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, 16 February at about 18:35 GMT.
It will be done before the fourth-round tie between Macclesfield Town - the lowest-ranked team left in the competition - and Brentford, with former England internationals Joe Cole and Karen Carney conducting the draw on TNT Sports.
Supporters can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.
All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 7 March.
Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Gossip: Arsenal interested in Pulisicpublished at 07:29 GMT 16 February
07:29 GMT 16 February
Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in bringing AC Milan and United States forward Christian Pulisic, 27, back to the Premier League, with Tottenham also in the mix. The former Chelsea man would be available for 70m-80m euros (£61m-£70m). (Caught Offside), external
Midfielder Sandro Tonali, 25, has reaffirmed his commitment to Newcastle United following speculation linking him with Arsenal. The Italian said he raced over to manager Eddie Howe after scoring in the FA Cup against Aston Villa on Saturday because he wanted to show their relationship remains strong. (ChronicleLive), external
Arsenal 4-0 Wigan: What Arteta saidpublished at 19:45 GMT 15 February
19:45 GMT 15 February
Arsenal manager MIkel Arteta speaking to the BBC: "We started so well. We made a lot of changes because of players who needed minutes and deserve minutes as well. I'm very pleased with the way we started the game and the intensity that we showed, the connections between players and the threat we had. The first-half made a difference, obviously."
No difficulties after so many changes?: "We tried a few different things as well because of some players not being available. I'm very pleased because the players did so well."
On Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres playing together for the first time: "Very good. We had an opportunity to try different things and different connections. From here until the end of the season, I'm sure we're going to use them."
On the performance of Christian Norgaard: "He was exceptional again. I'm not surprised. The way he prepares himself, the way he trains every single day, and looks after himself and his team-mates.When this happens, you can play in any context. I'm very pleased with him."
Did you know?
Arsenal became the first Premier League team (from 1992-93) to score four goals in the opening 30 minutes of an FA Cup game.
The Gunners have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2019-20 season when they won the competition, ending a run of five campaigns without reaching that stage, their longest post-WW2.
Gabriel Martinelli is the first player to score 10+ goals in cup/European competitions in a single season for Arsenal since Ian Wright in 1994-95 (12).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Birmingham v Leeds" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Oxford United v Sunderland", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Arsenal v Wigan Athleticpublished at 09:03 GMT 15 February
09:03 GMT 15 February
This is the first meeting between these two clubs since the 2014 FA Cup semi-final, when Arsenal won on penalties and Mikel Arteta scored in a shootout. The Gunners went on to beat Hull City in the final.
Things have changed a lot for Wigan since then and not in a good way.
They have just sacked their manager Ryan Lowe after sliding into the League One relegation zone and it's hard to see them forcing a shootout this time, no matter how many changes Arteta makes.
Arsenal have not had much joy in the FA Cup since Arteta won it again as manager in 2019-20, a few months after taking charge.
They have not been past round four since, but they are going to make it to the last 16 this time, I'm sure of it.
In fact, they have got so much strength in depth now that, while for years Arteta has not been able to win anything at all, he could feasibly win four trophies this season.
Is the quadruple on? That could be the question we are asking in the final few months of the season.
Why are more people not talking about Hincapie?published at 13:07 GMT 14 February
13:07 GMT 14 February
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Piero Hincapie has been the subject of several questions sent in via our Ask about Arsenal form recently, including one contributor who asked why more people are not talking about the defender as a result of his impressive first season in English football.
I think in the fanbase, there are supporters who are still working out what type of player he is.
He is clearly favoured by Mikel Arteta, who has said how much he values Hincapie's passion and intensity, but there are still question marks about which position is his best.
He has played at both left-back and centre-back and is not first choice in either of those positions.
There is also the fact that he seems to have jumped ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order too.
Hincapie has experience of having won a league with Bayer Leverkusen, which could be a big thing as Arsenal try to do the same this campaign, but there is a long way to go.
He has shown that he can switch off at times but that does not mean he could not become an elite Premier League player - just look at Gabriel Magalhaes.
Hincapie needs a run in the team and to look really solid before there is more talk about him, but the assist he got against Brentford with a great cross is a start.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
Arteta on Eze form, squad rotation and the FA Cuppublished at 12:01 GMT 13 February
12:01 GMT 13 February
Melissa Edwards BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup game against Wigan Athletic at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Eberechi Eze was subbed off in the draw against Brentford on Thursday and his lack of impact has been criticised, but Arteta believes his mixed form is normal: "Well I think he had moments and it's not easy when you move to a new club, it's always like this. When you play against a team that is like this [Brentford] and the ball is a lot of times not on the floor and you have to be constantly breaking the play and do that, especially for attacking and creative players, it's more difficult."
Arsenal moved four points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League table after the draw at Gtech Community Stadium and Arteta was asked if the change in competition is a good thing for their title hopes. He said: "We are doing that every week - every three days we are so used to it. We will reflect on the game and take the positives and improve."
On potential squad rotation: "I'll try to make sure everyone is a big part of what we're doing in different competitions. Sunday will be the same."
Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino are both out with long-term injuries and Arteta was asked if letting Ethan Nwaneri go on loan to Marseille was a mistake. He said: "After making a decision, who could predict that they'd be out. It's unfortunate but we have to make decisions in the moment with that context. The best decision for the club and for Ethan was to go and experience a different environment, have minutes, play and come back to us."
Arsenal haven't got past the fourth round of the FA Cup since they won the competition in 2020 and Arteta is hoping his team will turn up on Sunday: "We haven't been good enough on the day and when you come into this competition, you have to be excellent on the day. The shirt and badge that you wear is irrelevant so we're going to have to prove that again against Wigan."
He continued: "It's an opportunity for the team again, another competition and the history we have in this competition is amazing. I'm really excited to recover and go again."
Dan: Another great performance. We had the better chances, Andrews took on Arteta head on. In my opinion he won the battle. We had the better chances, we wanted it more, we defended as a team and attacked as a team. We now attack the big six rather than sit back. We're on our way to Europe.
Matt: A real battle, and yet more evidence that the "bus stop in Hounslow" is an established Premier League outfit. Bursting with pride for the Bees tonight. Went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the world right now and almost came away with a win. COYB.
Chuck: Brentford played some excellent football and thoroughly deserved a point. Every player gave their all, but special mention to Rico Henry who was outstanding.
Sam: What a spirited Brentford performance! A great run of fixtures to come now too. If we can keep hold of Michael Kayode in the summer it will be a miracle!
Arsenal fans
Steven: A good point for Arsenal in a game that could have gone either way. The nay sayers will once again claim they have bottled it, and write them off. If they beat Wolves next week, they will suddenly be favourites to win everything, including Wimbledon and the Grand National. Basically, Arsenal are still 4 points clear at the top. Both Arsenal and City will drop points in some of their remaining games. We are still in the best position to go on and win the league.
Neil: Advantage Man City. I have heard so many times that our squad is so strong. It's strong on paper but not on the pitch. We just don't look like champions on the field and again lack urgency. How many shots on target? Poor again!
Ned: Two points dropped from a real lack of creativity in the middle of the pitch. Eze looks passive and lost, while Odegaard is still playing catch up from injuries. Slot Trossard in the number 10 role and Martinelli on the left then the league is ours. COYG!
Dazla: I think Gykores has his merits but it's not holding the ball up. He gave possession away so many times after we scored. Havertz was a big loss tonight in that area. Arsenal need to adapt their play as the release ball to the front player doesn't work.
Clichy draws on key inspirationspublished at 08:58 GMT 13 February
08:58 GMT 13 February
Former Arsenal and Manchester City full-back Gael Clichy has been speaking to BBC Sounds' Euro Leagues about life as a coach.
Clichy, 40, is now coaching at Caen in the third tier of French football and says the influence of Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola is significant on him.
Analysis: Draw will feel like missed opportunity in title racepublished at 07:04 GMT 13 February
07:04 GMT 13 February
Alex Howell Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal will be disappointed with the manner of this draw despite Brentford only losing twice at home this season.
The Gunners struggled to break down their resolute opponents in the first half, with centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes having their best opportunity from a corner.
Mikel Arteta gave England international Eberechi Eze his first start in the league since December, but the number 10 did not take his chance with Kai Havertz out of the squad and was replaced by captain Martin Odegaard at half-time.
It looked as though Noni Madueke's header was going to give the Gunners an important victory as they look to keep the chasing pack at bay but they were unable to keep out Brentford, who like Arsenal are one of the league's best sides at set-pieces.
The Gunners will be accused of starting to show signs of struggling under the pressure of trying to win a first title since 2004, but they face Wolves on Wednesday and can move seven points clear of Manchester City if they beat the league's bottom side.
However, City have produced incredible runs of form to chase down titles in previous years and Arsenal have finished second for three successive seasons.
With 12 games to go, history does not favour Arsenal with their end-of-season form.
In the past five seasons, only on one occasion have Arsenal won 10 of their final 12 Premier League matches in a campaign.
In those seasons, the Gunners have never won more points in their final 12 games than the team that went on to win the title.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said on TNT Sports: "That's what people were shouting at me as I was coming off the pitch, 'Man City are coming to get you', but at the end of the day Arsenal are four points clear.
"You get knocked down, you get up again. Let's see who the fighters are and let's see who is going to win this. They could have put down a big marker if they won the match, but it never looked like that was going to be the case."
In two of their three second-placed finishes in recent years, Arsenal have finished behind Manchester City, which is why the talk about this title race carries so many emotional scars for supporters.
"What Man City have got is the know-how and the recent history behind them," Peter Crouch added on TNT.
"That can lead to nervous tensions around the stadium, certainly around the back end of the season.
"Having someone like Man City and Pep behind you, you are always going to be looking over your shoulder. But you would much rather be in Arsenal's position."
Image source, Getty Images
