Young Gunners outclass Latics

Two goals from Jay Simpson, on his first start for the club, and a third from Mexican starlet Carlos Vela put the Gunners into the fifth round.

Steve Bruce's side were never in the game and but for a fabulous display from goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, Wigan would have lost by a much greater scoreline.

The attacking potency of Wenger's youngsters had been evident as early as the 12th minute when Vela burst through the Wigan defence. He attempted to round Kirkland in the Wigan goal but the keeper managed to get a hand to the ball and divert it to safety.

But Wigan's inability to clear their lines only served up another chance for the Gunners and this time Simpson rattled the crossbar with a ferocious effort.

Arsenal were now beginning to pick holes in the Wigan defence at will and when Vela set-up Kieran Gibbs in the 17th minute, it required another stunning save from Kirkland to keep the scores level.

But Kirkland's heroics counted for nothing when he was finally beaten in the 41st minute. It was a typically clever Arsenal move as Simpson latched on to a superb through-ball from Jack Wilshere and poked the ball beyond the keeper despite a late lunge from Mario Melchiot.

And in the 67th minute, a stunning counter attack brought Arsenal their second. Vela ran the length of the Wigan half, leaving Emmerson Boyce trailing in his wake, before crossing for Simpson to apply a simple finish.

The Mexican made it three for Arsenal in the 70th minute when he produced a superb chip over Kirkland from 18 yards to finish another wonderful night for the young Gunners.

Wigan's night was made more miserable two minutes from time when they were robbed of a consolation goal by a fantastic double save from Lucasz Fabianski.