Arsenal player ratings vs Portsmouth: Martinelli shines as Gunners avoid huge FA Cup shock | Football | Sport
Arsenal survived an FA Cup scare by coming from behind to thrash Portsmouth and book their place in the fourth round. They had to deal with a hostile atmosphere at Fratton Park and were stunned inside three minutes as the hosts took an early lead. Conor Chaplin’s effort was parried straight into the feet of Colby Bishop, who side-footed high into the net to send the home fans wild.
The visitors levelled just four minutes later, with Eberechi Eze’s corner delivery sparking a scramble in the box. It looked as though Christian Norgaard got the decisive touch, but it went down as an own goal from Portsmouth midfielder Andre Dozzell. Arsenal completed the turnaround before the half-hour mark and it came from another corner, with Gabriel Martinelli glancing the ball home.
Noni Madueke had the chance to make it three from the penalty spot after he was brought down inside the area, but inexplicably dragged his effort wide in a moment to forget. The third goal eventually arrived through Martinelli, who poked in from close range after being found by Gabriel Jesus. Martinelli got his hat-trick in the closing stages with another header to add some extra gloss to the scoreline.
Express Sport rates and slates the Arsenal players following today’s game…
Arsenal player ratings vs Portsmouth
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
Failed to parry the ball away from danger for the opening goal, giving Bishop an easy tap-in. Did okay apart from that.
Ben White – 4
Didn’t stop the cross in the build-up to Portsmouth’s goal and struggled defensively at times, getting nutmegged at one point. A poor display.
Christian Norgaard – 7
Played in defence and looked decent throughout. Was initially credited for the equaliser but replays showed it was an own goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Had some questions asked of him in the early exchanges but settled down quickly and was his usual solid self at the back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5
Looked a yard off the pace at times and didn’t seem particularly up for the occasion. Needs to show more to start on a regular basis.
Mikel Merino – 6
Captained the side in the absence of Martin Odegaard. Kept things ticking in the middle of the park to help Arsenal control the game.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Showed promise with his driving runs through the middle but was sometimes guilty of holding onto the ball for too long.
Eberechi Eze – 5
Took the corner which led to Arsenal’s equaliser, but was mostly quiet and should have done better against Championship opposition.
Noni Madueke – 6
Caused plenty of problems with his mazy running and got the assist for Martinelli’s first goal, but missed his penalty with a terrible effort.
Gabriel Martinelli – 9
Worked hard in attack and was rewarded with three brilliantly-taken goals for his first professional hat-trick. The star of the match.
Gabriel Jesus – 7
Brought others into play with some nice touches and delivered a pinpoint cross to set up Martinelli for his side’s third goal.
Substitutes
Kai Havertz – 6
Made a welcome return from injury with 20 minutes left. Got some much-needed game time under his belt.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Kept things moving in the middle third as Arsenal showed their superiority in the second half.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Looked far better than White when he came on to replace the former England international.
Marli Salmon – 6
Was introduced in the closing stages to become the youngest player to ever represent Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Martin Zubimendi – n/a
A late addition.
