Martinelli hat-trick steers Arsenal past Portsmouth in FA Cup

Gabriel Martinelli scored his first senior hat-trick as Arsenal beat Portsmouth at Fratton Park to progress in the FA Cup.

Portsmouth took an early lead through Colby Bishop, but Andre Dozzell bundled in from an Eberechi Eze corner to draw the Championship side level. Martinelli’s treble included two headers from Noni Madueke corners and a second‑half finish after a quick free‑kick set up by Gabriel Jesus; Madueke also missed a penalty for Arsenal.

The goals underlined Arsenal’s dependability from set‑pieces this season — the tally from set‑pieces has been put at 17 — a proficiency the club has been credited with under Nicolas Jover. Mikel Arteta praised Martinelli’s timing in the box, saying: “Yesterday, he was talking about it,” and commended the player’s “personality”; he also praised Arne Slot for his handling of Martinelli’s recent clash with Conor Bradley, according to the report.

Marli Salmon became the youngest player to appear for Arsenal in the FA Cup at 16 years and 135 days, and Kai Havertz returned from a long layoff. Arsenal reached the fourth round for the first time since 2023, and the article says the possibility of a quadruple remains alive.

Key Topics

Sports, Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Fa Cup, Noni Madueke