Martinelli Silences Critics as Arsenal Crush Portsmouth in FA Cup Comeback
Good evening, we’re taking you to Fratton Park where the FA Cup delivered drama, pressure and a powerful response from an Arsenal player who needed it most.
Arsenal arrived at Portsmouth with eyes on the fourth round, but also with a spotlight firmly fixed on Gabriel Martinelli. The winger had been under heavy criticism just days earlier and the noise around him was loud. What followed was the kind of answer only football can provide.
The match started with a shock. Portsmouth, backed by a roaring home crowd, struck early and took the lead. For a moment, the famous old ground sensed an upset. Arsenal looked rattled and the FA Cup has a long memory for nights like that.
But then the game turned and it turned fast.
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Arsenal leaned on their growing strength from set pieces, an area they’ve mastered this season. A corner brought them level and suddenly the mood changed. Another delivery into the box caused chaos again and Martinelli was there, rising above defenders to head Arsenal in front. It was a statement moment, calm and clinical.
From there, Arsenal took control. The pressure never stopped and Portsmouth struggled to live with the movement and intensity. Martinelli, playing with freedom and hunger, struck again after the break. This time, he was in the right place at the right time, finishing with confidence. And then came the third. Another corner, another perfectly timed run and another header. Hat-trick complete.
It was Martinelli’s first senior hat-trick for Arsenal and it could not have come at a more important moment. From criticism to celebration in the space of a few days, it was a reminder of how quickly football turns.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised his winger’s character afterward, pointing to resilience and personality. For a player who has had to fight for starts this season, this performance may change the conversation. It also underlined Arsenal’s depth, with several key players rested while others stepped up.
The final score finished 4–1 and Arsenal move on, but this night was about more than progression. It was about response, composure and belief.
As Arsenal continue their push across multiple competitions, this win sends a clear message. They’re strong, they’re focused and when challenged, they’re ready to answer. That’s all from Fratton Park tonight.
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