Martinelli Hat-Trick Fires Arsenal to 4-1 FA Cup Win Over Portsmouth.
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Arsenal secured a hard-fought 4-1 victory over Championship side Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round at Fratton Park.
Gabriel Martinelli stole the show with a clinical hat-trick, all from set-pieces, as the Gunners overcame an early shock to progress to the fourth round. This win marks Arsenal's first successful FA Cup third-round tie since the 2022-23 campaign and keeps their quest for a first piece of silverware since lifting the trophy six years ago very much alive.
Portsmouth, hoping to emulate giant-killers like Wrexham, stunned the Premier League visitors by taking the lead after just three minutes through Colby Bishop. However, Arsenal's renowned set-piece prowess — earning them the nickname 'Set-Piece FC' — proved decisive, with three goals coming from corners and an own goal leveling things early.
Here are the key moments from this entertaining cup tie, complete with visuals capturing the drama.
Early Shock: Colby Bishop Opens the Scoring (3')
Portsmouth struck first when Colby Bishop capitalized on a weak save from Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, pouncing on the rebound for his fifth career FA Cup goal. The home crowd erupted as the Championship side dreamed of an upset.
Bishop celebrates the shock opener:
Arsenal Respond Quickly: Own Goal Levels It (8')
The lead lasted just five minutes. Christian Norgaard was denied a debut Arsenal goal, but Portsmouth's Andre Dozzell bundled Eberechi Eze's corner into his own net under pressure. Arsenal's set-piece threat was evident right away.
The chaotic own goal that brought parity:
Martinelli stays in the headlines after another Arsenal set-piece ...
Martinelli's First: Set-Piece Mastery (First Half)
Noni Madueke's in-swinging corner was powerfully headed home by Gabriel Martinelli to give Arsenal the lead before halftime. It was redemption for Martinelli after recent criticism following an incident in the Premier League draw with Liverpool.
Martinelli rises highest for his first goal:
Missed Chance: Madueke's Penalty Miss
Arsenal could have extended the lead before the break when Madueke won a penalty, but his casual effort curled wide after sending the keeper the wrong way.
Second-Half Seal: Martinelli's Brace and Hat-Trick
Myles Lewis-Skelly's quick free-kick set up Gabriel Jesus, whose low cross was finished by Martinelli at the far post for 3-1 (53').
The hat-trick arrived late as Martinelli headed home another Madueke corner, combining once more on a set-piece to make it 4-1.
Martinelli completes his hat-trick:
Martinelli celebrates his treble:
Gabriel Martinelli's hat-trick seals FA Cup win over Portsmouth ...
Late Subs and Control: Timber, Ødegaard, Havertz
Mikel Arteta introduced Jurrien Timber, Martin Ødegaard, and a welcome return for Kai Havertz from long-term injury, helping Arsenal see out the game comfortably.
Arteta on the touchline overseeing the win:
Arteta keen to win cup in front of our supporters | Quotes | News ...
Player Ratings Breakdown
Goalkeeper & Defence Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10): Disappointing for the early error, but recovered with four solid saves.
Ben White (8/10): Excellent block to deny Conor Chaplin and strong overall showing on his 2026 debut.
Christian Norgaard (6/10): Shaky start as emergency CB but contributed to the equalizer.
Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10): Composed but surprisingly poor in the air (1/8 duels won).
Myles Lewis-Skelly (7/10): Impressive instincts with the quick free-kick assist.
Midfield Ethan Nwaneri (5/10): Quiet on FA Cup debut, no chances created.
Mikel Merino (8/10): Excelled in midfield with deep passing and leadership.
Eberechi Eze (6/10): Delivered the corner for the own goal but otherwise subdued.
Full-Time Celebrations: Arsenal March On
The Gunners' players and staff celebrated progression, with Martinelli the standout hero.
Martinelli and teammates revel in victory:
This result highlights Arsenal's set-piece dominance and Martinelli's resurgence. Portsmouth fought valiantly but couldn't match the Premier League quality.
Arsenal now look ahead to the fourth round, keeping their FA Cup dream alive under Arteta.
Comments
Post a Comment