Arsenal emphatically booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 victory away at Portsmouth, powered by a stunning hat-trick from Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners overcame an early scare at Fratton Park to ensure there was no repeat of their recent third-round exits.
Martinelli Responds in Style After Early Setback
Mikel Arteta's side, showing ten changes from their previous outing, made the worst possible start. Within just three minutes, Championship side Portsmouth took a shock lead. After Kepa Arrizabalaga saved from Conor Chaplin, Pompey captain Colby Bishop smashed home the rebound to send the home crowd into raptures.
The Arsenal response, however, was swift. They were level by the eighth minute when an Eberechi Eze corner caused chaos in the six-yard box, eventually being deflected in off Portsmouth's Andre Dozzell for an own goal. The turnaround was completed shortly after, as Martinelli announced his arrival. The Brazilian winger flicked a Noni Madueke corner in at the near post to give the visitors a lead they would not relinquish.
Record-Breaking Night for Young Gunners
Despite missing several chances to extend their lead before the break, including a saved penalty from Madueke, Arsenal eventually found their rhythm. Martinelli tapped in a second from a Gabriel Jesus cross before completing his hat-trick with another near-post header from a Madueke corner after 72 minutes.
The match also saw a slice of history for the North London club. Sixteen-year-old academy starlet Marli Salmon came on as a second-half substitute, becoming Arsenal's youngest-ever player in the FA Cup at 16 years and 135 days. The appearance broke the record previously held by Gedion Zelalem. There was also a welcome return from injury for Kai Havertz, who featured as a substitute.
Arteta's Quadruple Quest Remains Alive
This comfortable victory keeps Arsenal on course in a season where they are challenging on four fronts. The FA Cup holds special significance for Arteta, as it remains the only trophy he has won since becoming manager in 2019. The win at Fratton Park, achieved with a heavily rotated side, demonstrated the squad's depth as they also contend for the Premier League title, the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and the Champions League.
For Gabriel Martinelli, the match was a perfect personal redemption. Just three days after being criticised for an incident involving Liverpool's Conor Bradley, the winger silenced any boos with a match-winning treble. His performance, and the team's set-piece prowess—with two of his goals coming from corners—proved decisive in navigating a potential banana skin and advancing in the competition.
