Arsenal thrash Portsmouth 4-1 to reach FA Cup fourth round
Arsenal progressed to the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in three seasons after defeating Championship side Portsmouth 4-1 at Fratton Park on Sunday afternoon, reports BritPanorama.
The Premier League leaders, currently six points clear at the top of the table, overcame a difficult start on the south coast to cruise past their second-tier opponents.
Mikel Arteta’s side relied heavily on their renowned set-piece prowess to turn the match around after falling behind early. The victory came as part of a demanding schedule for the Gunners, who face four away fixtures across four different competitions within nine days.
Gabriel Martinelli delivered a standout performance, netting three times to claim his first senior hat-trick for the club. The Brazilian winger found the net on each occasion from set-piece situations, demonstrating Arsenal’s exceptional dead-ball threat.
His opening goal arrived in the 25th minute when he headed home from a corner, barely needing to leave the ground. Martinelli doubled his tally six minutes into the second half, converting at the back post after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s quick free-kick found Gabriel Jesus, who delivered a low cross.
The hat-trick was completed in the 72nd minute with another headed finish from a corner. Portsmouth had stunned the visitors inside three minutes when Colby Bishop, who had not scored since August, pounced on a rebound after Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Conor Chaplin’s initial effort.
The home side’s lead lasted just five minutes before Arsenal responded through Christian Norgaard, who bundled the ball in from close range following an Eberechi Eze corner. Martinelli then took control of proceedings, putting the Gunners ahead before half-time and extending their advantage shortly after the interval.
Noni Madueke squandered an opportunity to add to the scoreline when he missed a penalty in casual fashion. His effort was sent wide of the post after winning the spot-kick himself. Kai Havertz returned to action in the 69th minute after an extended spell on the sidelines through injury.
Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber also entered the pitch as part of a triple substitution. The German forward made an immediate impact, nearly creating a fourth goal with a clever pass that released Madueke, whose shot was deflected wide. Young defender Marli Salmon enjoyed a memorable afternoon when he came on in the 76th minute for his senior Arsenal debut at just 16 years old.
Portsmouth finished the match with ten men after Franco Umeh suffered a hamstring injury with no substitutes remaining. The result underlines Arsenal’s formidable position not just within the FA Cup, but also their ambitions across all competitions as they move deeper into the season.
