Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic edge past Gunners 4-2 on penalties after 1-1 draw

Arsenal claimed one of the most dramatic nights of the 2026 FA Cup on Sunday. After a tense 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic at Emirates Stadium, the Gunners prevailed 4-2 on penalties to reach the final. Manager Mikel Arteta himself stepped up from the spot and converted.

Arsenal Survives Penalty Drama Against Wigan Athletic

The Gunners faced a stubborn Wigan squad determined to cause an upset at the home of English football’s most storied club. For 90 minutes, neither team could break the deadlock despite clear chances. Wigan struck first when Jordi Gomez buried a penalty kick in the 63rd minute after Per Mertesacker brought down an attacker in the box.

Arsenal’s response came late but proved crucial. Mertesacker himself rehabilitated his error by equalizing in the 82nd minute, forcing the match into extra time. The 30 additional minutes produced no further goals, leading to the dramatic penalty shootout.

Dramatic Penalty Shootout Decides FA Cup Tie

The penalty shootout at Emirates Stadium showcased resilience and nerves of steel from Arsenal. Both teams converted multiple penalties, but the Gunners held firm when it mattered most. The standout moment came when manager Mikel Arteta stepped up and scored, demonstrating leadership from the touchline.

Arsenal secured the crucial 4-2 victory on penalties, sending their travelling supporters and home fans into raptures. The Wigan players and supporters showed immense character throughout the battle, but ultimately fell short in the final moment.

Road to the FA Cup Final Now Open

Event	Details
Full-Time Score	1-1 after 90 minutes
Extra Time Result	Still 1-1 after 120 minutes
Penalty Shootout	Arsenal 4-2 Wigan Athletic
Venue	Emirates Stadium, London

Arsenal has now booked its place in the FA Cup final and will fancy its chances at Wembley. The performance showed character against a Championship side that refused to roll over. Mikel Arteta‘s side demonstrated the mental fortitude required to win major trophies, composing themselves after going behind and then executing under pressure.

“This will go down as one of the great moments in our recent history.”

— Arsenal Official, Post-Match Statement

What This Victory Means for Arsenal’s Season

Reaching the FA Cup final represents a significant achievement for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. The club has prioritized cup success, and this penalty victory proves they have the mental resilience to win tight contests. Last night’s triumph showed the squad’s maturity and composure when matches hang in the balance.

With the final fixture now confirmed, Arsenal will prepare for one of the biggest matches of their season. Every player understands the significance, and Arteta’s leadership, demonstrated by stepping up in the penalty shootout himself, sends a powerful message about his commitment to silverware.

Can Arsenal Win the FA Cup Final After This Dramatic Penalty Victory?

The Arsenal Gunners now face the challenge of converting this emotional high into silverware at Wembley Stadium. Previous FA Cup winners have often cited dramatic penalty victories as turning points in their campaigns. The confidence gained from surviving this shootout could prove invaluable in the final stages of the competition.

Mikel Arteta has built a squad capable of handling pressure situations, as proved by Sunday night’s drama. Whether this penalty triumph is the beginning of a trophy-laden period for Arsenal remains to be seen, but the club has every reason to believe success is within reach.

Sources

• BBC Sport – Live coverage and match statistics for Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic FA Cup fourth round
• Arsenal.com – Official club commentary and post-match reaction following penalty shootout victory
• Independent – Match report detailing Mikel Arteta’s crucial penalty conversion and path to the final