Martinelli Hat Trick Seals Arsenal 4-1 FA Cup Win at Portsmouth
Arsenal’s FA Cup authority shines after early Portsmouth shock
The FA Cup has a habit of testing reputations, particularly when elite clubs travel to grounds steeped in history and challenge. Fratton Park offered just that challenge, and for three minutes it looked like Portsmouth might add another chapter to the growing list of weekend shocks. Instead, Arsenal responded with composure, quality and ultimately a 4-1 victory that reaffirmed their depth and ambition.
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Portsmouth struck first through Colby Bishop, capitalizing on initial uncertainty after Arsenal made ten changes to their starting line-up. The noise inside Fratton Park swelled, memories of famous cup nights surged and, for a fleeting moment, the romance of the competition threatened to take hold. Yet Arsenal’s response was swift and telling.
The first set pieces change momentum
The equalizer came almost immediately and had a familiar feeling. A trademark Arsenal corner caused chaos, with Christian Norgaard forcing the ball towards goal through Andre Dozzell. The goal did more than level the score, it stabilized Arsenal’s rhythm and calmed the home crowd.
Set pieces quickly became Portsmouth’s undoing. Another corner, this time delivered by Noni Madueke, found Gabriel Martinelli at the near post. The Brazilian’s deft shot sent the ball past the goalkeeper and Arsenal took the lead on 25 minutes.
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The Gunners felt in control. Madueke almost extended the lead from the penalty spot after being brought down by Zak Swanson, but dragged his effort wide. This proved a rare blemish on an otherwise assured display.
Martinelli leads Arsenal response
Martinelli’s influence grew with each phase of the match. He hit the post, missed a presentable chance, but never left the competition. This perseverance was rewarded after the break. Myles Lewis Skelly’s quick thinking sparked the move, Gabriel Jesus delivered a low cross and Martinelli arrived to strike from close range.
The third goal reflects Arsenal’s offensive clarity. The movement was sharp, decisions were made early and Portsmouth were put to the test. The fourth, and Martinelli’s hat trick, fittingly came from another corner. Once again he attacked the near post, sending the ball into the net to underline Arsenal’s dominance.
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It was an FA Cup tie shaped by precision rather than panic. After falling behind, Arsenal never looked rattled, instead relying on structure, rotation and technique.
Youth and history mark FA Cup evening
Beyond the score, the evening had a historic note. At 16 years and 135 days old, defender Marli Salmon became the youngest Arsenal player to play in the FA Cup. It was a moment that spoke to Arsenal’s long-held faith in youth, even on a night where experience and composure decided the match.
For Portsmouth, the defeat will be painful, but the first goal and the atmosphere created reflect pride and effort. For Arsenal, it’s a reminder that the FA Cup requires respect, focus and the ability to recover from disruption.
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Winning 4-1 away, after conceding early, with a team in heavy rotation, is a testament to the team’s depth and clarity of purpose. Martinelli’s hat-trick will grab the headlines, but Arsenal’s calm response to adversity ensured their progress to the fourth round without drama.