Full Breakdown
Gabriel Martinelli's Hat-Trick Propels Arsenal Past Portsmouth in FA Cup
1/11/2026, 8:33:07 PM
Arsenal's Dominant Response to Early Setback
Gabriel Martinelli scored his first senior hat-trick as Arsenal defeated Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup third round at Fratton Park on January 11, 2026. The match began with a shock for the Premier League leaders when Portsmouth's Colby Bishop scored just three minutes in, capitalizing on a rebound after a save from Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, Arsenal quickly leveled the score through an own goal by Portsmouth's Andre Dozzell, who inadvertently turned in a corner from Eberechi Eze.
Martinelli then put Arsenal ahead in the 25th minute, heading in from a corner delivered by Noni Madueke. Despite a missed penalty by Madueke just before halftime, Arsenal maintained control, with Martinelli extending the lead shortly after the break by tapping in a low cross from Gabriel Jesus. He completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute, again scoring from a corner, showcasing Arsenal's set-piece prowess.
Background: Recent Controversy Surrounding Martinelli
Martinelli's performance came just days after he faced heavy criticism for his actions during Arsenal's goalless draw against Liverpool, where he attempted to push injured defender Conor Bradley off the pitch. Following the incident, which resulted in Bradley being ruled out for the season, Martinelli publicly apologized. His ability to rebound from this controversy and perform at a high level was noted by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who praised Martinelli's "big personality" and resilience.
Official Statements & Responses
Mikel Arteta remarked on Martinelli's response to criticism, stating, "It's part of football and then it's how you take it... Gabi knew inside the reason why he did what he did." He emphasized the importance of having a strong mentality in football, especially after facing public scrutiny. Arteta also highlighted the significance of Martinelli's performance, saying, "Today, he scored three goals... Tomorrow, he’s going to train 100 miles an hour, for sure."
Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended Martinelli after the incident, asserting, "I am 100% sure that if he knew what the injury might be, then he would never do that."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive outcome for Martinelli, he was booed by Portsmouth fans throughout the match, a reflection of the lingering resentment from the previous incident. Additionally, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville had labeled Martinelli an "idiot" for his actions against Bradley, which fueled the hostile reception from the home crowd.
Why It Matters: Arsenal's Pursuit of Silverware
This victory marks Arsenal's first progression to the FA Cup fourth round in three seasons, maintaining their pursuit of multiple trophies this season, including the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup. The match also featured the return of Kai Havertz from injury and the debut of 16-year-old Marli Salmon, who became the youngest player to feature for Arsenal in the FA Cup.
What's Next for Arsenal
Arsenal's next challenge will be against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on January 14, 2026. The team will look to build on their momentum from the FA Cup victory as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.
Verbatim Quotes
- "That's personality, come in and talk on the pitch, which is the best part of it." — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager
- "I am 100% sure that if he knew what the injury might be, then he would never do that." — Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager
- "Gabi, in every context that you throw him in, he plays, he doesn’t play. He performs well, not well. Today, he scored three goals." — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager
This comprehensive performance by Martinelli not only silenced his critics but also reaffirmed Arsenal's status as a formidable force in English football.
