It was a cruise for Premier League toppers, Arsenal, in the game against Portsmouth on Sunday as the Gunners reach the FA cup 2025/26 Fourth Round in style.
At Fratton Park, the FA Cup match ended four (4) goals to one (1) in favour of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on Sunday 11 January, 2026.
A first ever Arsenal hat-trick from Brazilian forward, Gabriel Martinelli, saw the Gunners fight from the back to win and progress.
Arsenal, shockingly fell behind very early, in the 3rd minute of play, but, the Premier League side without delay restored parity when a corner led to Andre Dozzell hitting the back of his own net just five (5) minutes after the home side had taken the lead.
In the 25th minute, Martinelli converted an asist from Noni Madueke to hand Arsenal the lead, and in the 43rd minute the Gunners would have netted their third, but, Madueke threw away a chance from the the penalty spot.
However, after the break, Martinelli found the net again, with former Manchester forward, Gabriel Jesus, providing; Jesus’s cross was well converted by his fellow Brazilian.
And once again, Madueke assisted Martinelli, who bagged his hat-trick and fourth for Arsenal in the 72nd minute, to make it 4-1 for the North London side.
Portsmouth, however, did not stop to play like they had nothing to lose, the hosts continued to push forward, and goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, was forced to make a save to a low effort from Blair.
There were several chances for Arsenal to extend their lead before the end of the first half; and Martinelli almost scored a stunning second when a fine pass from Mikel Merino shattered the defence and allowed the Brazil international to run onto it, but, his effort went the wrong side of the post.
Arsenal’s penalty came after Zak Swanson, former Gunners junior, brought Madueke down inside the box, and the Englishman decided to take the kick by himself which he missed.
Next, Arsenal turn attention to the Carabao Cup on Wednesday when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea for the first leg of the semi-final tie.
After that, the Gunners return to the Premier League for a clash against Nottingham Forest at City Ground on Saturday.
Photo: Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick for Arsenal against Portsmouth
