Arsenal and Wigan Athletic have faced each other 22 times in competitive football, with Arsenal winning 16 matches, Wigan winning 3, and 3 ending in a draw. The most significant meeting in their history occurred during the 2014 FA Cup semi-final, where Arsenal defeated Wigan on penalties (4-2) after a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium to reach the final and eventually end a nine-year trophy drought. Another era-defining moment took place in May 2013, when Arsenal’s 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium confirmed Wigan Athletic’s relegation from the Premier League just days after the Latics had won the FA Cup. As of 2026, the two sides have not played a competitive fixture since that 2014 Wembley showdown, as Wigan Athletic currently competes in League One while Arsenal remains a powerhouse in the Premier League.
The 2014 FA Cup Semi-Final
The April 12, 2014, clash at Wembley is arguably the most famous meeting between the two clubs. Wigan, then the defending champions and playing in the Championship, took a shock lead through a Jordi Gómez penalty in the 63rd minute.
Per Mertesacker equalized for Arsenal in the 82nd minute to send the game to extra time. Arsenal goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański became the hero in the ensuing penalty shootout, saving two Wigan penalties to send the Gunners to the final, where they would eventually beat Hull City.
The Relegation Clincher of 2013
On May 14, 2013, Wigan Athletic visited the Emirates Stadium just three days after their historic FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. Arsenal required a win to maintain their top-four pursuit, while Wigan needed three points to keep their survival hopes alive.
The match ended in a crushing 4-1 defeat for Wigan, with goals from Lukas Podolski (2), Theo Walcott, and Aaron Ramsey. This result mathematically confirmed Wigan’s relegation to the Championship, making them the first team in history to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season.
Historical League Cup Thriller (2006)
One of the earliest “shocks” in this rivalry occurred in the 2005-06 League Cup semi-finals. After Wigan won the first leg 1-0, the second leg at Highbury became an instant classic, ending 2-1 to Arsenal on the night but 2-2 on aggregate.
The Away Goals Rule
Despite Arsenal winning the match, Jason Roberts scored a dramatic 119th-minute goal for Wigan in extra time. This goal sent Wigan to their first-ever major cup final via the away goals rule, marking one of the greatest nights in the club’s history.
Statistical Head-to-Head Overview
Statistically, Arsenal has dominated this fixture, particularly at home. Between 2005 and 2013, Wigan found it notoriously difficult to secure points at either Highbury or the Emirates Stadium, though they often pushed the Gunners to their limits.
| Competition | Total Matches | Arsenal Wins | Wigan Wins | Draws |
| Premier League | 16 | 13 | 2 | 1 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 (1 pen win) | 0 | 1 |
| League Cup | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Totals | 22 | 16 | 3 | 3 |
Notable Shared Player History
Several players have enjoyed successful stints at both clubs, creating a unique link between North London and Greater Manchester. These transfers often occurred during Wigan’s “Golden Era” in the Premier League under Dave Whelan’s ownership.
Lauren: The “Invincible” right-back finished his English career at Portsmouth but was a key figure in the Arsenal-Wigan era dynamics.
Jordi Gómez: While never an Arsenal player, he was the frequent “Arsenal-killer,” scoring pivotal goals against the Gunners during his time at the DW Stadium.
Ignasi Miquel: The Arsenal academy graduate spent time on loan at Wigan in 2013, symbolizing the developmental link between the two clubs during that period.
Practical Information for Fans
As of April 2026, there are no scheduled fixtures between Arsenal and Wigan Athletic. However, for fans visiting the respective stadiums for other matches:
Emirates Stadium (London): Best accessed via the Piccadilly Line (Holloway Road or Arsenal stations). Tours are available daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Brick Community Stadium (Wigan): Formerly the DW Stadium, it is a 15-minute walk from Wigan North Western and Wigan Wallgate train stations.
Matchday Costs: While prices vary by tier, a standard League One ticket at Wigan averages £25-£30, whereas Arsenal Premier League tickets typically range from £70-£105 on the secondary market.
What to Expect: Both clubs have rich museums documenting their history, including Wigan’s 2013 FA Cup trophy and Arsenal’s “Invincibles” golden trophy.
Seasonal Context: Spring 2026
In the current 2025/26 season, Arsenal is competing for the Premier League title, while Wigan Athletic is pushing for a play-off spot in League One. The historical matches between these two remain a frequent topic of conversation on “Throwback Thursday” social media cycles, particularly the 2013 relegation match which serves as a cautionary tale about the physical toll of deep cup runs on smaller squads.
FAQs
What is the head-to-head record for Arsenal vs Wigan?
Arsenal has won 16 times, Wigan has won 3 times, and there have been 3 draws across 22 competitive meetings.
When was the last time Wigan beat Arsenal?
Wigan’s last victory over Arsenal was a famous 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on April 16, 2012, with early goals from Franco Di Santo and Jordi Gómez.
Did Wigan ever knock Arsenal out of a cup?
Yes, Wigan progressed to the 2006 League Cup Final at Arsenal’s expense via the away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate draw.
Who has scored the most goals in this fixture?
Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie are among the top scorers for Arsenal against Wigan, with Adebayor famously scoring a hat-trick against them in 2008.
Was the 2014 FA Cup semi-final a draw?
Technically, the match was a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, but Arsenal won 4-2 on penalties to advance to the final.
Where can I watch highlights of Arsenal vs Wigan?
Official highlights of their most famous Premier League and FA Cup matches are available on the Arsenal YouTube channel and the FATV YouTube channel.
Why is the 2013 match famous?
The 2013 match saw Arsenal relegate Wigan from the Premier League just three days after Wigan had won the FA Cup.
Which stadium did they play in before the Emirates?
Before moving to the Emirates in 2006, Arsenal hosted Wigan at Highbury, most notably in the 2006 League Cup semi-final.
Is Wigan Athletic still in the Premier League?
No, as of 2026, Wigan Athletic competes in League One, the third tier of English football.
How many FA Cups has Wigan won compared to Arsenal?
Wigan has won 1 FA Cup (2013), whereas Arsenal holds the record with 14 FA Cup titles.
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