Goals
- C. Bishop – 3′ – Portsmouth
- A. Dozzell (own goal) – 8′ – Arsenal
- G. Martinelli – 25′ – Arsenal
- G. Martinelli – 51′ – Arsenal
- G. Martinelli – 72′ – Arsenal
Arsenal responded impressively to an early shock at Fratton Park to secure a 4–1 victory over Portsmouth and book a place in the FA Cup fourth round. Gabriel Martinelli delivered a first senior hat-trick, answering recent criticism with a decisive, energetic display built around sharp movement and ruthless finishing.
Portsmouth struck after only three minutes when Colby Bishop reacted quickest after Kepa palmed out a fierce strike and forced the ball over the line. The Championship side pressed aggressively in difficult conditions, with wind and rain adding to Arsenal’s discomfort.
Arsenal levelled within minutes through a chaotic set piece. A dangerous corner was scrambled in, with pressure from Christian Nørgaard resulting in the ball ricocheting off Andre Dozzell for an own goal. Portsmouth still threatened on the break, Bishop and Chaplin both testing Kepa before Arsenal took control of the match’s rhythm.
The visitors’ superiority at dead balls soon told again. A precise delivery was met by Martinelli at the near post, the Brazilian rising superbly to head Arsenal into the lead before the interval. He could have increased the margin before half-time, striking the post from close range, while Noni Madueke won a penalty only to drag his effort wide.
Any hopes of a Portsmouth revival faded shortly after the restart. A quickly taken free-kick released Gabriel Jesus, whose low cross was tapped home by Martinelli for his second of the afternoon. Portsmouth were then punished again from a corner as Martinelli completed his hat-trick with another header, virtually a mirror of his earlier finish.
Arsenal’s depth was evident as senior figures including Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz appeared from the bench, while Marli Salmon, aged 16 years and 135 days, earned rare first-team minutes to become the club’s youngest FA Cup player. Portsmouth, reduced by injury issues and forced changes, kept competing but were unable to stem the flow of chances created from Arsenal’s set pieces.
Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the poor start but highlighted the response and mentality, noting his side “had to defend our reputation here.” Martinelli’s movement in the penalty area and timing at corners proved decisive, while Arsenal’s set-piece tally in all competitions continues to underline their development in that area this season.
Statistically, Arsenal scored three goals from corners in this match alone and registered four unanswered goals after falling behind, illustrating both resilience and structure. Portsmouth, meanwhile, extended an unwanted trend of conceding from dead-ball situations.
Arsenal now move into the fourth round draw with confidence and a reminder of their squad depth across multiple competitions, while Portsmouth can take credit for a spirited start and hostile atmosphere that briefly threatened an upset.
Key statistics
- Arsenal scored three goals from corners
- Gabriel Martinelli recorded a hat-trick
- Portsmouth led after 3 minutes before conceding four unanswered goals
- Marli Salmon, 16 years 135 days, became Arsenal’s youngest FA Cup player
Selected quotes
Arteta: “We started in the wrong way, but then controlled the game and showed personality.”
Martinelli was praised for “timing in the box” and the ability to “attack the space,” qualities fully on display in each of his goals.
