Gabriel Martinelli responded to recent criticism by scoring a hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to beat Portsmouth 4-1 and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Brazilian winger was criticized for his response to Conor Bradley’s season-ending injury on Thursday night, but he was instrumental in helping Arsenal score three goals from corners, taking their tally from set-pieces to 22 in all competitions this season.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side were given an early scare by the Championship side when Colby Bishop put Pompey ahead after just three minutes after Kepa Arrizabalaga curled Conor Chaplin’s shot from the edge of the box into the box.
However, Arsenal were back to level five minutes later through their first corner. Ebelesi Eze’s corner-kick was flicked on several times and Christian Norgaard scored from close range to celebrate the goal, but replays showed that the ball unfortunately hit Pompey defender Andre Dozer.
It was Arsenal’s fifth own goal in their last eight games in all competitions, but the set-piece deficiencies are not surprising given Portsmouth have conceded the second-most goals from dead-ball situations of any Championship team this season.
Arsenal scored three goals from corners against the second-worst team in the Championship with their set-piece defending.
Kepa made good saves from Bishop and Chaplin and Pompey threatened to regain the lead, while Arsenal’s second corner resulted in another set-piece goal for the Gunners.
Martinelli agreed with Noni Madueke’s comments and felt the internet responded well to his criticism of the Bradley incident on Thursday night.
Arsenal should have extended their lead even further after Martinelli missed two good chances (hitting the post just yards from goal), while Madueke won a penalty and beat Zac Swanson to make it 3-1, but fired from 12 yards wide of goal.
This gave Portsmouth a bit of a boost and Chaplin could have equalized for the Championship side, only for Ben White to deny him with a good block.
Two minutes after that goal-save attempt, Arsenal were three points up when Miles Lewis-Skelly fired a quick free-kick past Gabriel Jesus to the right. His cross was met by Martinelli, who easily slotted it into the goal.
Gabriel Martinelli scores Arsenal’s third goal at Portsmouth
This allowed Arsenal to signal a change as Kai Havertz returned for the first time since the opening game of the season. Mari Salmon also became the youngest Arsenal player to play in the FA Cup at 16 years and 135 days, after Martinelli headed home another Maduke corner for his first goal of the day.
The result leaves Arsenal in a fourth-round draw on Monday night. All eyes will be on the Gunners on Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Analysis: Arsenal have a team that performs well in all four competitions
Arsenal currently play four away games in four competitions over the next 10 days. The Christmas period may be over, but the game is still fast-paced for the Gunners. However, the huge depth of the Gunners’ squad was on display here.
Gabriel Martinelli’s first senior hat-trick clinched the cup tie, but even more impressive was the Brazilian’s apparent sharpness – he could easily have scored one or two more goals this afternoon.
Arsenal still named a fairly strong squad despite making 10 changes
And it’s really no surprise – he’s only started two of the last seven Premier League games. And that extends to the rest of the team as well.
Arsenal made 10 changes from a tired side against Liverpool, but still included Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Ebelesi Eze and Martinelli. Ben White, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard bring experience at the back.
The depth of the team is also getting stronger. Kai Havertz’s return is a big plus for Arsenal, but the night off for Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Victor Gökeres means they will be available for most of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea.
Compare this situation to Liverpool’s game against Plymouth in the FA Cup last season. They couldn’t field a team this strong against a Championship team in danger of being relegated and went out to prioritize other tournaments.
Arsenal have some holes – they look short at left-back and centre-back due to injuries – but apart from that they have a squad capable of doing reasonably well in four competitions.
