Arsenal overcame their FA Cup scare with a come-from-behind victory over Portsmouth to book their place in the fourth round. They had to deal with a hostile atmosphere at Fratton Park but were stunned within three minutes when the hosts took an early lead. Conor Chaplin’s shot was passed straight to the feet of Colby Bishop, who fired wide and high, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Just four minutes later, the visitors equalized after Eberechi Eze’s corner kick sparked a scramble in the box. Christian Norgaard appeared to have made the decisive touch, but Portsmouth midfielder Andre Dozell scored an own goal. Arsenal completed the comeback just before the half-hour mark, with another corner corner allowing Gabriel Martinelli to slot the ball into the goal.
Noni Madueke had a chance to score a three-pointer from the penalty spot after being brought down in the area, but inexplicably missed the moment and dragged his shot wide. In the end, Martinelli scored the third goal from close range after being found by Gabriel Jesus. Martinelli added further sparkle to the scoreline with a late header to complete his hat-trick.
Express Sport rates Arsenal players after today’s game and plans…
Arsenal vs Portsmouth player ratings
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
They were unable to parry the ball to avoid the danger of scoring first, allowing Bishop an easy tap-in. Everything else was fine.
Ben White – 4
In the build-up towards Portsmouth’s goal, they were unable to stop crosses and struggled defensively, leading to some confusion at times. Poor display.
Christian Norgaard – 7
He also played defensively and looked decent overall. It was initially thought to be a tying goal, but replays revealed it was an own goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
There were a few questions asked of him during the early exchanges, but he quickly calmed down and showed his usual solid performance towards the end.
Miles Lewis-Skelly – 5
He looked a yard off the pace at times and didn’t look particularly suited to the occasion. You will need to view more to start regularly.
Mikel Merino – 6
He served as team captain in Martin Odegaard’s absence. They kept things moving in the center of the park to help Arsenal control the game.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
He showed promise with his driving runs through the center, but he sometimes felt guilty for holding onto the ball for too long.
Eberechi Eze – 5
They won the corner that led to Arsenal’s equaliser, but were mostly quiet and should have done better against their Championship opponents.
Noni Madueke – 6
He caused a lot of problems with his erratic running, and although he assisted Martinelli’s opening goal, he unfortunately missed the penalty spot.
Gabriel Martinelli – 9
He worked hard on the offensive side as well, scoring three goals and achieving his first hat trick as a professional. star of the match.
Gabriel Jesus – 7
Martinelli scored his team’s third goal, moving the other team with some nice touches and supplying a pinpoint cross.
substitute
Kai Havertz – 6
He made his return from injury with 20 minutes remaining. The long-awaited game time was secured.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Arsenal continued to dominate in the second half, keeping the game moving in the middle third.
Julian Timber – 6
He looked much better than Whyte when he came on as a substitute for the former England international.
Mari Salmon – 6
He became the youngest player to represent Arsenal in the FA Cup when he was brought on in the final stages.
Martin Zvimendi – n/a
This is a belated addition.
