Thrilling Victory: Gabriel Martinelli’s Hat-Trick Propels Arsenal Past Portsmouth into FA Cup Glory!
Arsenal soared into the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2022-23 season, delivering a commanding 4-1 victory over Portsmouth on Sunday. Gabriel Martinelli stole the spotlight with a dazzling hat-trick, while an own goal from Andre Dozzell contributed to the Gunners’ success, continuing their quest for their first piece of silverware since their last FA Cup triumph six years ago.
In a bid to replicate the heroic upsets of Wrexham and Macclesfield, Portsmouth struck early, taking the lead just three minutes into the match. Colby Bishop capitalized on a feeble save from Arsenal’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, netting his fifth goal in the prestigious competition. However, the home side’s joy was short-lived, as Arsenal quickly leveled the score just five minutes later. A set-piece saw Christian Norgaard’s first goal opportunity thwarted when Dozzell inadvertently directed Eberechi Eze’s corner into his own net.
The 14-time FA Cup winners swiftly turned the tables, with Martinelli heading home from Noni Madueke’s in-swinging corner, bouncing back effectively from criticism following a challenging performance against Liverpool. Arsenal sought to extend their lead before halftime, with Martinelli hitting the post when he seemed poised to score. Madueke earned a penalty after being fouled by former Arsenal youth player Zak Swanson, but the winger’s careless run-up led to a miss, curling the ball wide after sending Portsmouth goalkeeper Josef Bursik the wrong way.
Portsmouth, buoyed by a resilient spirit from recent performances-losing only once in their last five games-nearly leveled when Conor Chaplin found space at the back post, but his shot was expertly blocked by Ben White. That missed opportunity proved detrimental for the visitors as Myles Lewis-Skelly cleverly executed a quick free-kick to Gabriel Jesus, who delivered a stunning low cross. Martinelli was there to convert at the far post, extending Arsenal’s lead to 3-1 in the 53rd minute.
In a strategic response to suppress any potential comeback from Portsmouth, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta introduced seasoned players Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard, while Kai Havertz made his long-awaited return after an injury early in the season. The Gunners soon made it a hat-trick of goals from set-pieces, with Martinelli nodding in his third of the match after more smart play between Madueke and himself, with just 18 minutes left in regular time.
As the match drew to a close, Arsenal demonstrated their dominance on the pitch, sealing a memorable afternoon at Fratton Park. The Gunners, powered by Martinelli’s brilliance and strengthened by tactical adjustments, are now poised to make a deeper run in this year’s FA Cup, igniting hopes among the fanbase for another taste of glory in this historic tournament.
As Arsenal looks forward to their next challenge, excitement grows in north London, with fans eager to see if this victory marks a turning point in their quest for silverware. The Gunners will carry this momentum into the next round, hoping to build on their impressive performance against Portsmouth.
Original Source: https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/arsenal-player-ratings-hat-trick-hero-gabriel-martinelli-gets-gunners-into-fa-cup-fourth-round/bltad868f05c64a19ef
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Publish Date: 2026-01-11 21:30:00
