Mikel Arteta: Rotation Key to Arsenal's FA Cup Success

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta promises changes for Wigan Match

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta plans to rotate his squad for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against League One side Wigan Athletic.

“Every three days we are getting so used to playing different competitions, home or away...”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to shake things up for Sunday's FA Cup match against Wigan Athletic, promising to rotate his squad after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Brentford on Thursday. This decision comes as Arsenal looks to bounce back from the midweek setback and maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table, currently four points ahead of Manchester City.

Arteta emphasized the importance of being “excellent on the day” in the FA Cup, acknowledging that Arsenal hasn't been good enough recently. He also defended his decision to substitute Eberechi Eze at halftime against Brentford, citing tactical reasons. With a strong squad and multiple competitions to focus on, Arteta is looking to give more players a chance to shine.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained that switching competitions and playing at home was a chance for the team to reset and give tired players a breather, especially with the club competing on four fronts. Sounds like a smart move to recharge.

“Yes, that's what we've been doing, trying ⁠to make sure that everybody ‌is a big part of what we are doing in different competitions. Sunday will be the same,” Arteta told reporters when asked about squad rotation.

“Every three days we are getting so used to playing different competitions, home or away. We know what that competition means to the club, to ⁠ourselves.”

Arsenal holds the record for most FA Cup wins with 14 titles, but their last victory was in the 2019/20 season, Mikel Arteta's first season as manager. Unfortunately, they haven't progressed past the fourth round in the last five years.

Fighting on all fronts ✊ pic.twitter.com/R02EfI6zZZ

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 13, 2026

Arteta's team is looking to break this streak as they face Wigan Athletic in the fourth round this Sunday. Given their current form and squad depth, Arteta has hinted at rotating his lineup to give tired players a breather, considering their busy schedule across four competitions.

“We haven't been good enough on that day and when you come to a competition, you have to be excellent on the day,” Arteta said.

“So we're going to have to prove that against Wigan again on Sunday.”

Mikel Arteta explained that he substituted Eberechi Eze at halftime against Brentford for tactical reasons, citing the need for a different player profile to generate more problems for the opposition. He defended his £68 million signing, stating that Eze is still adjusting to a new club and faces challenges playing against teams like Brentford that keep the ball off the ground, making it tough for creative players like Eze.

Arteta emphasized that Eze has had moments of quality and is a big part of the team's plans, but needs time to adapt. Eze has struggled to nail down a starting spot, starting only three league games since December and coming off at halftime in two of those matches.

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

“When you play against a team that is like this 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.”