Arsenal's squad players demonstrated their title-chasing mettle on Sunday, navigating a ferocious Fratton Park atmosphere to defeat Portsmouth 4-1 and secure a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
A Baptism of Fire on the South Coast
The match was a raw, unfiltered football experience for several of Mikel Arteta's younger charges. Played in driving rain before a loud, jeering home crowd, this was a stark contrast to the controlled environment of the Emirates. The atmosphere was set pre-match with the rousing communal sing-along to Mike Oldfield's 'Portsmouth' and the ritualistic appearance of 'Pompey Sailor Kevin'.
Portsmouth struck first, sending shockwaves through the travelling support after just three minutes. Colby Bishop, ending a goal drought dating back to August, smashed in a rebound after Kepa Arrizabalaga parried Conor Chaplin's effort. However, Arsenal's response was swift and decisive.
Martinelli Answers His Critics in Style
The lead lasted only five minutes. A scramble from a corner resulted in the ball being bundled over the line, officially recorded as an own goal by Portsmouth's Andre Dozzell. The stage was then set for Gabriel Martinelli, public enemy number one after his controversial actions against Liverpool days earlier.
Booed relentlessly with every touch, the Brazilian showed immense character. He powered home a header from a Noni Madueke corner midway through the first half to put Arsenal ahead. Martinelli completed his first career hat-trick with a second-half tap-in and another header, proving a decisive and resilient figure.
The game had a pivotal moment just before half-time when Madueke missed a penalty, dragging his shot wide after sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The miss triggered a deafening, unified chant of derision from the Pompey faithful, a moment that could have swung momentum. Instead, Arsenal regrouped and controlled the second period.
Squad Depth Shines for Title-Chasing Gunners
Arteta had made ten changes from the side that faced Liverpool, fielding a lineup featuring the likes of Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Jesus. This was far from a display of complacency; it was a demonstration of formidable squad strength. Every goal came from a set-piece, underlining a well-drilled tactical approach even with rotated personnel.
The match also offered valuable milestones. Kai Havertz returned from a long-term injury as a substitute, while 16-year-old Marli Salmon came on to become Arsenal's youngest-ever FA Cup player. The collective performance sent a clear message: as Arsenal pursue the Premier League title, their squad players are ready assets, not liabilities.
This victory exorcised the ghost of third-round exits in the previous two seasons. More importantly, it provided a tough, invaluable away experience that will strengthen the squad's resolve for the challenges ahead in their dual pursuit of cup and league glory.
