Martinelli scores a hat-trick as Arsenal thrash a lower-league team in the FA Cup

(Football results) - Arsenal made a remarkable turnaround at Portsmouth, securing a 4-1 victory in the 3rd round of the 2025/26 FA Cup, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s dazzling hat-trick.

On the evening of January 11th (Vietnam time), Arsenal visited Portsmouth for the 3rd round of the 2025/26 FA Cup. Despite some early difficulties, the London club showed their class to secure a convincing win.

Just 2 minutes in, a surprise occurred as Arsenal conceded early. From an attack down the left flank, Colby Bishop charged in to strike with his right foot inside the 6-yard box, sending the ball straight into the middle of the net and putting Portsmouth ahead. This early goal forced Arsenal to push forward in search of an equalizer.

The Gunners’ efforts were soon rewarded. In the 7th minute, from a corner kick, the ball bounced out in front of the goal and Norgaard was the last to touch it, leveling the score. Arsenal then dominated possession, constantly pressuring the home side’s defense. In the 22nd minute, Gabriel Martinelli rose high to head in a precise cross from Noni Madueke’s corner, putting the visitors ahead 2-1.

Towards the end of the first half, Arsenal had a chance to extend their lead with a penalty in the 41st minute. However, from the spot, Noni Madueke’s shot went wide, much to the disappointment of his teammates. Nevertheless, Arsenal went into halftime with the advantage.

In the second half, the momentum remained firmly with Arsenal. In the 50th minute, Martinelli completed his brace with a close-range finish following a cross from Gabriel Jesus off a set piece, making it 3-1. Despite Portsmouth’s efforts, including a notable long-range shot by Terry Devlin in the 77th minute, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made excellent saves.

At the 71st minute, Arsenal sealed an impressive performance with a fourth goal. Gabriel Martinelli once again rose to head the ball from a corner at close range, confirming the 4-1 victory. After 3 minutes of added time, the match ended with Arsenal proudly advancing to the 4th round of the 2025/26 FA Cup.

90+3': FULL TIME!!! Arsenal secure a 4-1 win.

90': There will be 3 minutes of added time

77': Unsuccessful effort

Terry Devlin of Portsmouth unleashed a right-footed shot from outside the box, but Kepa Arrizabalaga (Arsenal) dived to save it at the top right corner of the goal.

71': GOAL... The score is 4-1 to Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli rose to head the ball from very close range after a corner, extending Arsenal’s lead to 4-1.

60': Missed opportunity

Gabriel Martinelli shot from the right side of the 6-yard box but the ball went over the crossbar.

50': The score is 3-1 to Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli finished with his right foot from very close range, placing the ball into the left corner of the net. Gabriel Jesus provided the assist with a cross from a set-piece situation.

46': SECOND HALF BEGINS

45+5': End of first half

Arsenal lead Portsmouth 2-1 at halftime.

41': Madueke misses penalty!

From the penalty spot, Noni Madueke shocked everyone by shooting wide.

30': Not a goal

Gabriel Martinelli fired a right-footed shot from outside the box, narrowly missing the right post.

22': GOAL... Arsenal lead 2-1

Gabriel Martinelli headed the ball from the right side of the 18-yard box into the center of the goal. Noni Madueke assisted with a cross from the corner.

15': Shot blocked

Harvey Blair took a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but Arsenal’s Kepa Arrizabalaga blocked it right in front of goal. Zak Swanson provided the assist.

7': GOAL! Arsenal equalize!

From the corner kick, the ball bounced out and was pushed into the net, with Arsenal’s Norgaard apparently the last to touch it.

2': GOAL... Arsenal concede a surprise early goal

Colby Bishop (Portsmouth) struck a right-footed shot from the left side of the 6-yard box, sending the ball into the center of the net.

1': Kickoff!

Team news Portsmouth vs Arsenal

• Portsmouth:Starting with their strongest lineup
• Arsenal:Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman, and Riccardo Calafiori are injured.

Expected lineups Portsmouth vs Arsenal

• Portsmouth:Schmid; Devlin, Shaughnessy, Poole, Swanson; Dozzell, Swift; Yang, Segecic, Blair; Kirk
• Arsenal:Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Gyökeres, Saka, Trossard.

Form & Head-to-head record

• Portsmouth form:In their last 5 EFL matches, Portsmouth lost 1, won 2, and drew 2.
• Arsenal form:In their last 5 Premier League games, Arsenal won 4 and drew 1.
• Head-to-head record:In the last 5 meetings, Arsenal have won every match.