The FA Cup has a habit of testing reputations, especially when elite clubs are dragged into hostile, history-soaked grounds. Fratton Park provided exactly that examination, and for three noisy minutes it looked as though Portsmouth might add to the weekend’s growing list of shocks. Instead, Arsenal responded with calm authority, easing to a 4-1 victory that underlined their depth, composure, and ambition,Softfootball reports.
Fresh from a frustrating 0-0 draw against Liverpool that slightly dented their title push, Mikel Arteta rang the changes, making 10 alterations to his starting line-up. That disruption showed early on, as Portsmouth struck first through Colby Bishop, who capitalised on some early Arsenal uncertainty to send Fratton Park into raptures.
For a brief moment, the romance of the cup threatened to take centre stage. But Arsenal’s response was swift and controlled. Their equaliser arrived almost immediately, and it came in familiar fashion. A trademark corner caused chaos in the Portsmouth box, with Christian Nørgaard forcing the ball goalwards before André Dozzell inadvertently diverted it into his own net. The goal steadied Arsenal and drained the volume from the home crowd.
Set pieces soon became Portsmouth’s undoing. Another corner, this time delivered by Noni Madueke, found Gabriel Martinelli attacking the near post. The Brazilian’s clever flick beat the goalkeeper and put Arsenal ahead inside 25 minutes. From there, the Gunners began to assert control.
Madueke had the chance to extend the lead from the penalty spot after being fouled by Zak Swanson, but dragged his effort wide — a rare blemish in an otherwise assured first-half performance.
Martinelli’s influence only grew after the break. He struck the post and missed a presentable chance, yet his movement and persistence continually troubled the hosts. That pressure eventually told when quick thinking from Myles Lewis-Skelly ignited a move that ended with Gabriel Jesus squaring for Martinelli to tap home from close range.
By then, Portsmouth were stretched. Arsenal’s fourth and Martinelli’s hat-trick goal fittingly arrived from another corner, once again attacked aggressively at the near post. It was a clinical finish that capped a dominant individual display and removed any lingering doubt about the outcome.
This was an FA Cup tie shaped by precision rather than panic. After conceding early, Arsenal never looked rattled, trusting their structure, technique, and squad depth to see them through.
The night also carried a note of history. Arsenal via its official X handle shared that, at just 16 years and 135 days, Marli Salmon became the youngest Arsenal player to feature in the FA Cup, highlighting the club’s continued commitment to youth. They posted:
Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, was an unused substitute, with the winger who recently agreed a new five-year contract afforded a rest as Arteta rotated his squad.
For Portsmouth, the defeat will sting, but the early goal and raucous atmosphere reflected pride and belief. For Arsenal, this was a reminder that the FA Cup demands focus and respect and that even with heavy rotation, they possess the calm and quality required to progress.
A 4-1 win away from home, after conceding first, with a much-changed side, speaks volumes. Martinelli’s hat-trick will grab the headlines, but it was Arsenal’s measured response to adversity that ensured a smooth passage into the fourth round.
