Arsenal step away from Premier League pressure and into the FA Cup — and for 45 minutes, it looks effortless.

In this episode of The Non-Negotiables Podcast, we break down the 4–0 win over Wigan Athletic, where four first-half goals settled the tie early and allowed Mikel Arteta to rotate heavily. We discuss the starting XI surprises, Calafiori’s latest warm-up withdrawal, and the long-anticipated experiment of Bukayo Saka operating centrally.

There’s a deep dive into the first-half performance — Eze’s influence, the combinations between Saka and Madueke, Martinelli’s clinical finish, and Nørgaard’s standout display. Was this simply lower-league opposition being exposed, or did we see tactical clues for the weeks ahead?

We also assess the second-half slowdown, Gyökeres’ introduction, and the home debuts for Salmon and Setford — moments that reflect squad depth and internal culture.

From there, attention turns to the FA Cup draw. Mansfield away awaits, Manchester City travel to Newcastle, and the pathway opens slightly — but questions remain.

Part two shifts into bigger concerns. We address Arsenal’s mounting injury issues — recurring patterns, squad construction, recovery methods, and whether the modern game is shortening careers at the top level. Is this bad luck, load management, or something structural?

Finally, we preview the trip to Wolves. With Odegaard and others doubtful, does Saka stay central? Is this the moment for a tactical pivot? And with Arsenal chasing control at the top of the table, is this simply a must-win — or a tone-setter for the run-in?

All that, plus this week’s “Who Am I?” featuring a 1971 double winner.

Control restored — but bigger questions are building.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro

(00:51) - FA Cup Context: Rotation & Calafiori Warm-Up Injury

(03:47) - Saka Central?

(06:01) - Eze’s First-Half Influence

(09:35) - 1–0 | Madueke Finished, Eze Assist

(10:51) - 2–0 | Martinelli Rifles It Home

(12:30) - 3–0 | Own Goal & Saka–Madueke Link-Up

(15:25) - 4–0 | Jesus Scores, Nørgaard Delivers

(17:36) - Second-Half Coast & Gyökeres Chance

(19:15) - Home Debuts: Salmon & Setford

(22:30) - Match Stats Breakdown

(23:57) - FA Cup Draw: Mansfield Away & City at Newcastle

(30:39) - PT.2 Who Am I? (Game)

(31:57) - Mounting Injury Concerns & Squad Depth Debate

(53:51) - Wolves Preview: Must-Win Pressure

(56:07) - Saka Inside vs Wide: The Big Decision

(01:06:15) - Who Am I? Answer & Closing Thoughts