Gabriel Martinelli Scores Hattrick, Arsenal Easily Eliminated Portsmouth in the FA Cup

JAKARTA - Arsenal conceded an early goal, but quickly bounced back to beat Championship team Portsmouth 4-1 in an FA Cup match at Fratton Park Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 2026 WIB. Forward Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick that took Arsenal past Pompey.

Arsenal did not encounter any significant difficulties when visiting Portsmouth's headquarters. In that match, manager Mikel Arteta did not field the best squad.

By rotating 10 players, those who have been playing regularly such as Bukayo Saka, captain Martin Odegaard, striker Vikto Gyokeres, Declan Rice and goalkeeper David Raya did not appear in the match.

Arteta gave striker Gabriel Jesus the chance to start. Jesus, who recently recovered from a severe ACL injury that had him sidelined for almost a year, received support from Noni Madueke and Martinelli.

In that match, Kai Havertz for the first time returned to play after recovering from injury. However, he was not immediately the first choice. The German national team striker was only played in the second half as a warm-up after being absent since the start of the competition this season.

In that match, Portsmouth, who was at the bottom of the Championship standings, was originally just a month for Arsenal. However, the hosts made a surprise by successfully breaking Kepa Arrizabalaga's goal when the match was only three minutes. Striker Colby Bishop successfully brought Portsmouth ahead 1-0.

However, the home team's advantage did not last long. Only five minutes later, midfielder Andre Dozell scored an own goal. The score was already 1-1.

The suicide goal at least encouraged the Arsenal players to dominate the match. Moreover, The Gunners are superior in ball possession so that the next goal is only waiting for time.

Arsenal finally turned the tide after Martinelli broke Portsmouth's goal in the 25th minute. It started with a cross from Madueke after receiving the ball from the corner kick. The ball was then received by Martinelli and his header managed to defeat goalkeeper Josef Bursik.

After leading 2-1, Arsenal increased the pressure. As a result, the visiting team had the opportunity to add a goal when they were awarded a penalty following a foul by defender Zak Swanson against Madueke in the 43rd minute. Madueke himself took the penalty, but he failed to finish it. Madueke's shot was deflected and the score remained 2-1 until the end of the match.

Entering the second half, Arsenal's attacks increased. Their aggressive game made Portsmouth have difficulties. Arsenal didn't take long to add a goal. In the 51st minute, Martinelli scored his second goal from close range after completing Jesus' assist.

Arsenal became more aggressive in attacking. Even Martinelli almost added a goal in the 60th minute. But he failed to maximize the opportunity to break into the Portsmouth goal.

He finally did not make a mistake when scoring the third goal in the 72nd minute. Martinelli made a hattrick after welcoming Madueke's cross. The score changed to 4-1 and lasted until the end of the match. Arsenal also did not encounter any significant obstacles to advancing to the fourth round.