Arsenal 4–1 Portsmouth: Martinelli Hat-Trick Sends Gunners Into FA Cup Fourth Round

Arsenal booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 4–1 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park, inspired by a first senior hat-trick from Gabriel Martinelli.

The hosts made a lightning-fast start. Inside three minutes, the ball was driven into Conor Chaplin in the centre of the pitch. His left-footed strike forced a save from Kepa Arrizabalaga, but the rebound fell kindly for Colby Bishop, who lashed the ball into the roof of the net to give Pompey an early lead.

Arsenal responded almost immediately. Pushing straight back up the pitch, they won a corner that was swung in from the near side by Eberechi Eze. Portsmouth failed to deal with the delivery, and after ricocheting off several bodies, the ball appeared to be turned into his own net by Andre Dozzell.

The visitors soon completed the turnaround. Another corner, this time delivered from the far side by Noni Madueke, caused further chaos in the Portsmouth box. Martinelli rose highest to glance a header beyond Josef Bursik and into the net, handing Arsenal the lead. It marked the third time this season Arsenal have scored two or more goals from corners in a single match, more than any other Premier League side across all competitions.

Arsenal had the chance to extend their advantage when Madueke won a penalty after being brought down by former Arsenal defender Zack Swanson. Madueke stepped up himself but dragged his left-footed effort wide of the right-hand post, giving Portsmouth a crucial lifeline.

Despite the early setback, Arsenal showed composure and control. Although Mikel Arteta made ten changes from the side held by Liverpool in their previous outing, and there were moments of disjointed play, the visitors grew increasingly dominant as the half wore on. Portsmouth played with intensity and determination, refusing to let the tie slip away easily.

Six minutes into the second half, Arsenal struck again. A free-kick was taken quickly by Myles Lewis-Skelly, releasing Gabriel Jesus down the right flank. His teasing ball across the face of goal was met by Martinelli, who tapped home to double his tally with quick thinking that caught Pompey flat-footed.

Martinelli then completed his hat-trick, Arsenal’s third goal from a corner on the night. Once again, Madueke’s delivery caused problems, fired into the danger area with pace and precision. The ball flashed past Bursik as Portsmouth failed yet again to cope with Arsenal’s set-piece threat, sealing a memorable night for the Brazilian winger.

Martinelli, who has endured a mixed season and has not always been a regular starter, was electric throughout and continued his strong form in cup competitions.

He deservedly claimed man of the match, although Madueke was not far behind, producing a near-perfect performance aside from his missed penalty and still finishing with two assists. Arteta will be pleased with the result, though there remain areas for improvement.

Fourteen-time FA Cup winners Arsenal march on to the fourth round, while Portsmouth turn their attention back to the fight for Championship survival. Arsenal now await their next FA Cup opponents before preparing for a trip to Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-finals.