Arsenal recovered from an early deficit to defeat Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup third round, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a hat-trick at Fratton Park on Sunday.
Colby Bishop gave the Championship side a dream start with a third-minute finish, but the Premier League leaders’ quality ultimately prevailed in front of 20,611 supporters.
First-Half Drama
Portsmouth began confidently and took an early lead when BISHOP coolly slotted home after Conor Chaplin’s initial attempt was parried by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arsenal’s response came swiftly through a corner routine. The Gunners equalised when a clearance from Luke Le Roux struck the unfortunate Andre Dozzell and crossed the line for an own goal in the eighth minute.
Martinelli put the visitors ahead on 25 minutes, glancing home Noni Madueke’s corner delivery. The Brazilian missed a golden opportunity to extend the lead when he struck the post from close range.
Portsmouth were forced into an early substitution when Harvey Blair departed injured on 40 minutes, replaced by Franco Umeh. Arsenal were then awarded a penalty after Zak Swanson’s challenge on Madueke, but the forward sent his spot-kick wide.
Arsenal Seal Victory
The second period saw Arsenal take control. Martinelli added his second goal shortly after the restart, converting Gabriel Jesus’s excellent cross following a quick free-kick.
John Mousinho introduced Marlon Pack and Connor Ogilvie just past the hour mark, replacing Le Roux and Conor Shaughnessy as Portsmouth searched for a route back.
Martinelli completed his hat-trick on 72 minutes, heading home another Madueke corner to seal the Pompey v Arsenal result beyond doubt.
Match Statistics
Portsmouth FC showed courage throughout despite facing arguably Europe’s finest team currently. Terry Devlin forced a save from Arrizabalaga, whilst John Swift dragged wide after entering as a substitute.
The hosts’ difficulties increased when Umeh suffered an injury after all five substitutions had been utilised. Portsmouth defended resolutely to prevent further damage as goalkeeper Josef Bursik made several important stops.
Portsmouth (4-2-3-1): Bursik; Devlin, Poole, Shaughnessy (Ogilvie 62), Swanson (Williams 73); Dozzell, Le Roux (Pack 62); Segečić (Swift 73), Chaplin, Blair (Umeh 40); Bishop (c)
Goal: Bishop 3
Booked: Le Roux
Arsenal (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; White (Timber 69), Nørgaard, Gabriel (Salmon 76), Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri (Ødegaard 69), Merino (c), Eze; Madueke, Jesus (Havertz 69), Martinelli (Zubimendi 82)
Goals: Dozzell 8 (og), Martinelli 25, 51, 72
Booked: Lewis-Skelly, White
Referee: Tony Harrington
Attendance: 20,611 (3,063 away supporters)
Portsmouth now turn their attention towards their Championship survival battle following this FA Cup exit.
