Arteta promises to rotate Arsenal’s squad for the FA Cup tie with Wigan

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta vowed to shake up his pack for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round against League One side Wigan Athletic as the Premier League leaders look to bounce back from midweek disappointment against Brentford.

Arsenal missed a chance to restore its six-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League after drawing 1-1 with Brentford on Thursday.

Arteta said a change of competition and a home fixture gave the team a chance to reset, while also allowing them to rest tired legs, with the club still fighting for trophies on four fronts.

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«Yes, that’s what we’ve been doing, trying to make sure everyone is a big part of what we do in different competitions. Sunday will be the same,» Arteta told reporters when asked about the squad rotation.

«Every three days we get so used to playing different competitions, home or away. We know what that competition means for the club, for ourselves.»

Arsenal are record FA Cup winners, having lifted the trophy 14 times, but have not won it since 2019/20, Arteta’s first season as manager. Over the past five years, the country has also failed to get past the fourth round.

“We weren’t good enough that day and when you come to a game you have to be excellent that day,” Arteta said.

«So we will have to prove that again on Sunday against Wigan.»

Arteta said his decision to replace Eberechi Eze at half-time against Brentford was a tactical change but defended his 68 million pound ($92.50 million) signing, who has yet to secure a starting spot.

“I think he had moments and it’s not easy when you move to a new club, it’s always like that,” Arteta said.

“When you play against a team that is like that and the ball is often not on the ground and you have to constantly break the play and do that, especially for attacking and creative players, it is more difficult.”

Published on February 13, 2026