Arsenal Win
Arsenal beats Portsmouth 4-1 with Martinelli's hat trick
Gabriel Martinelli / Mikel Arteta / Portsmouth, England / Arsenal / FA Cup / FA Cup /

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Last Updated
1/12/2026
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The Breakdown 38

  • In a thrilling FA Cup third round encounter, Arsenal triumphed over Portsmouth with a commanding 4-1 victory, showcasing their resilience after an early setback.
  • Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the star of the match, netting a stunning hat trick that marked a significant comeback for the young forward following recent criticism.
  • The clash, held at Portsmouth's Fratton Park, was Arsenal's first face-off against the team in six years, heightening the stakes and excitement of the match.
  • Mikel Arteta's strategic decisions, including the return of Kai Havertz from injury and the rotation of the squad, demonstrated Arsenal's depth and competitive spirit as they pursued silverware.
  • The Gunners' performance was highlighted by effective set pieces, underlining their tactical prowess and adaptability under pressure.
  • This victory solidified Arsenal's standing as top contenders not only for the FA Cup but also in the Premier League, contrasting starkly with Manchester United's recent exit from the tournament.

On The Left

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On The Right 5

  • The right-leaning sources celebrate Manchester City's spectacular victory, highlighting Semenyo's impressive debut and the dominance of the team, portraying the win as an extraordinary triumph in the FA Cup.

Top Keywords

Gabriel Martinelli / Mikel Arteta / Portsmouth, England / England / Arsenal / FA Cup / FA Cup /

Further Learning

Who is Gabriel Martinelli?

Gabriel Martinelli is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Arsenal FC in the Premier League. He joined Arsenal in 2019 and has since gained recognition for his speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability. Martinelli is particularly noted for his work ethic and has become a fan favorite, contributing significantly to the team's attacking play.

What is the FA Cup?

The FA Cup, officially known as the Football Association Challenge Cup, is the oldest football competition in the world, established in 1871. It features clubs from various levels of English football, including amateur teams and professional leagues. The tournament is known for its knockout format, where teams compete in single-elimination matches, often leading to surprising upsets.

How did Arsenal perform in this match?

In this match, Arsenal performed exceptionally well, defeating Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup third round. Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick, marking his first for the club, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion. Despite an early setback, Arsenal showcased their attacking strength and resilience, securing their place in the fourth round.

What was the significance of Martinelli's hat-trick?

Martinelli's hat-trick was significant as it marked his first-ever for Arsenal and highlighted his potential as a key player for the team. It also served as a response to recent criticism he faced, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity. The hat-trick not only helped Arsenal advance in the FA Cup but also reinforced his growing importance in the squad.

What are Arsenal's current standings?

As of the latest updates, Arsenal is positioned as one of the top teams in the Premier League, competing for the title. Their strong performances, including victories in domestic cup competitions like the FA Cup, have solidified their status as title contenders this season, reflecting a significant improvement under manager Mikel Arteta.

How did Portsmouth fare in the FA Cup historically?

Portsmouth has a storied history in the FA Cup, having won the competition twice, in 1939 and 2008. However, in recent years, the club has faced challenges, including relegation to lower divisions. Their current status as a second-tier team reflects a shift in fortunes, making their matches against Premier League teams like Arsenal particularly challenging.

What tactics did Mikel Arteta employ?

Mikel Arteta employed a tactical approach that emphasized attacking play and ball possession. He utilized a rotated squad to manage player fitness while maintaining a strong offensive threat. The strategy included set-piece plays, as evidenced by Martinelli's goals from corners, showcasing Arteta's focus on exploiting defensive weaknesses.

How does this victory impact Arsenal's season?

This victory boosts Arsenal's confidence as they progress in the FA Cup, providing momentum for their league campaign. Advancing in cup competitions is crucial for the club's aspirations to secure silverware this season, reinforcing their competitive edge and depth in the squad as they aim for multiple titles.

What controversies surrounded Martinelli recently?

Recently, Gabriel Martinelli faced controversy after an incident involving Liverpool's Conor Bradley, where he was criticized for his actions during Bradley's injury. This incident drew scrutiny, but Martinelli's subsequent performance, highlighted by his hat-trick against Portsmouth, showcased his ability to rebound from negative attention.

What are the implications for Manchester United?

Manchester United's implications stem from their exit from the FA Cup after a loss to Brighton, contrasting sharply with Arsenal's success. This defeat raises questions about their current form and managerial decisions as they seek to improve their standing in domestic competitions, highlighting the competitive pressure they face in the league.

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