FA Cup: Martinelli's Magic Sinks Portsmouth At Fratton Park

Arsenal secured their spot in the next round of the FA Cup with a commanding 4-1 win over Portsmouth.

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Following a scoreless draw against Liverpool earlier in the week, the Premier League leaders successfully returned to their winning form.

This victory also maintains the Gunners’ impressive undefeated streak across all competitions, which dates back to their last loss against Aston Villa in November.

Colby Bishop returned to Portsmouth’s starting lineup following a one-game absence, though the striker remains on a goal drought dating back to August.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta overhauled his squad with 10 changes from the midweek Liverpool fixture, leaving Gabriel as the sole remaining starter.

After being sidelined since the first day of the Premier League season, Kai Havertz has rejoined the squad to continue his recovery. The match began with an early upset as Colby Bishop put the hosts ahead just four minutes in.

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Arsenal’s response was swift; they leveled through Christian Norgaard’s untidy finish from a corner before Gabriel Martinelli headed home from another set-piece to take the lead. The Gunners could have secured a two-goal cushion, but Noni Madueke saw his penalty saved after winning the foul in the box.

Arsenal widened their advantage shortly after the break when Gabriel Martinelli converted a cross from Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian winger later completed his first-ever Arsenal hat-trick by striking again from a corner, capping off a dominant performance.

Ultimately, Mikel Arteta’s squad secured an easy 4-1 win, highlighted by Martinelli’s career-first treble for the club.

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