Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick as Arsenal recovered from an early setback and beat Portsmouth at Fratton Park. The win sent Arsenal into the FA Cup fourth round after a confident display away from home. Earlier cup shocks involving Wrexham and Macclesfield raised expectations of another upset. Arsenal, who changed 10 players from their previous match, briefly looked vulnerable again.
Portsmouth stunned the visitors after three minutes when Colby Bishop scored for the Championship side. Arsenal responded quickly and refused to lose control. Christian Norgaard forced the ball in off Andre Dozzell from a trademark corner. The equaliser arrived five minutes after the opener and calmed the visitors.
Set-pieces swing the game
Arsenal took the lead from another corner after 25 minutes. Martinelli flicked Noni Madueke’s delivery into the net at the near post. Madueke later won a penalty after Zak Swanson fouled him. The winger pulled his spot-kick wide and missed the chance to extend the lead.
Martinelli stayed dangerous throughout the first half and struck the post. He later missed another clear opening before the break. Arsenal continued to press and control possession after the interval.
Martinelli completes his treble
The third goal arrived through quick thinking and sharp movement. Myles Lewis-Skelly reacted fast before Gabriel Jesus drilled a low cross. Martinelli finished from close range to make the game safe. He completed his hat-trick from yet another corner. The forward glanced the ball on at the near post and watched it drop inside the net.
Arsenal also marked a historic moment late on. Defender Marli Salmon featured at 16 years and 135 days. He became the youngest Arsenal player to appear in the FA Cup.
Martinelli answers critics in style
Martinelli endured a mixed season before this match. Critics targeted him after a recent altercation with injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley. This performance offered a timely response. The hat-trick marked his first for Arsenal and lifted his confidence.
Arsenal chase major silverware for the first time since the 2020 FA Cup triumph. Martinelli lost his regular Premier League place this season. He impressed in the Champions League and scored in the opening four matches.
Squad depth gives Arteta options
Competition for places increased after eight summer signings strengthened the squad. New forwards included Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres. The depth allowed Mikel Arteta to rotate heavily without weakening the side. Spain international Mikel Merino started alongside England internationals Madueke and Eze.
Gabriel Magalhaes remained the only starter from the recent draw with Liverpool. Merino captained the team and impressed at Fratton Park. He played a deeper midfield role and relied on experience. The 29-year-old controlled play and protected the defence.
Arteta also welcomed Kai Havertz back from injury. The forward played his first minutes since a knee problem on the opening day. Arsenal now face four consecutive away matches in different competitions. Their busy schedule underlines a season filled with ambition.
What comes next
Arsenal face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday. Portsmouth return to Championship action on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday.
