MARTINELLI SCORED HAT-TRICK FA CUP

 

             

Gabriel Martinelli scored his first hat-trick for Arsenal as the Gunners came from behind to beat Portsmouth comfortably at Fratton Park and secure their place in the FA Cup fourth round.

• After a weekend that had already seen FA Cup shocks involving Wrexham and Macclesfield, Arsenal briefly looked vulnerable when Championship side Portsmouth took a shock lead after just three minutes. Colby Bishop capitalised early to put the hosts ahead, punishing a much-changed Arsenal side that featured 10 alterations from the previous match.

• However, the visitors responded quickly and were level within five minutes. From a trademark Arsenal corner, Christian Nørgaard forced the ball goalwards, with Portsmouth midfielder Andre Dozzell inadvertently turning it into his own net.
• That equaliser settled Mikel Arteta’s side, and they went ahead in the 25th minute from another set-piece. Noni Madueke’s corner was flicked on by Martinelli at the near post and into the net.

• Arsenal had the chance to extend their lead before the break when Madueke won a penalty after being fouled by Zak Swanson, but the England international dragged his effort wide.

• Martinelli continued to threaten throughout the first half, hitting the post and missing another good opportunity, but he made no mistake after the interval. Following quick thinking from Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel Jesus delivered a low cross.

•  Here is a stronger, more engaging and professional version of the story with better flow, sharper language, and a match-day narrative feel suitable for news websites or social media coveMartinelli Hat-Trick Sends Arsenal into FA Cup Fourth Round
• Gabriel Martinelli produced a sensational performance at Fratton Park, scoring a brilliant hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to defeat Portsmouth and book their place in the FA Cup fourth round.

• With the FA Cup already delivering several shocks over the weekend, Arsenal were given an early scare when Championship side Portsmouth took the lead after just three minutes. Colby Bishop stunned the visitors by finishing confidently to put the hosts ahead, raising hopes of another famous upset against a heavily rotated Arsenal side that featured ten changes from the previous match.

• However, Arsenal responded with maturity and control. Their equaliser arrived just five minutes later from a familiar source — a set-piece. A well-delivered corner caused chaos in the Portsmouth penalty area, and Christian Nørgaard forced the ball goalwards, with Andre Dozzell inadvertently diverting it into his own net.

• That goal settled Mikel Arteta’s men, who began to dominate possession and tempo. The turnaround was completed in the 25th minute when Noni Madueke’s corner found Martinelli at the near post, and the Brazilian winger cleverly flicked the ball into the net to give Arsenal the lead.

• Arsenal had a golden opportunity to extend their advantage before half-time when Madueke was brought down in the box, but the winger sent his penalty wide. Despite that miss, the Gunners remained in control, with Martinelli hitting the post and squandering another chance before the interval.

• The second half followed the same pattern, with Arsenal pressing higher and moving the ball with confidence. Martinelli grabbed his second of the night after Gabriel Jesus delivered a low cross into the area following quick thinking from teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, allowing the Brazilian to tap in from close range.

• The hat-trick was completed in style as Martinelli once again capitalised from a corner, flicking the ball on at the near post and into the net to put the tie beyond Portsmouth’s reach.

• The evening also carried historic significance for Arsenal as 16-year-old defender Marli Salmon became the youngest player to ever feature for the club in an FA Cup match.

• Analysis: Martinelli Delivers at a Crucial Moment
• It has been a challenging season at times for Martinelli, who has faced criticism and increased competition for places following Arsenal’s summer recruitment. However, this performance served as a timely reminder of his quality and impact.

• The Brazilian will hope his first senior hat-trick in Arsenal colours provides momentum as the club continues its push for silverware, with the FA Cup representing a major opportunity to end their trophy drought since 2020.

• Arteta’s ability to rotate heavily while maintaining control of the match underlined Arsenal’s growing squad depth. Midfielder Mikel Merino impressed in an unfamiliar deep role while captaining the side, and Kai Havertz made a welcome return from injury with his first appearance of the season.

• Arsenal now turn their attention to a demanding run of away fixtures, beginning with a Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash against Chelsea. Portsmouth, meanwhile, return to Championship action on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday.