Martinelli’s First Hat-Trick

Fratton Park, Portsmouth

Arsenal began the first of four consecutive away fixtures, each in a different competition, with a visit to Championship opposition for the first time in six years. The last such trip ended in a quarter-final place and, ultimately, silverware in the early months of Mikel Arteta’s reign. History, then, offered encouragement—but not comfort.

John Mousinho set his side up in a 4-2-3-1, focused on early width and aggression, though he has not been afraid to shift into a back five when needed. That boldness paid off immediately. Portsmouth stunned Arsenal inside the opening minutes when Harvey Blair’s low cross found Connor Chaplin. Kepa Arrizabalaga parried the initial effort, but only into the path of Colby Bishop, who reacted quickest to convert.

Arsenal steadied themselves and responded with control rather than panic. From their first corner on eight minutes, parity was restored. Eberechi Eze’s delivery caused confusion, flicked on by Martinelli and Gabriel before Luke Le Roux’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Dozzell and spun over the line.

Portsmouth continued to play with freedom, forcing Arrizabalaga into another save from Blair, but their weakness from set-pieces proved decisive. On 25 minutes, Noni Madueke’s corner trapped goalkeeper Josef Bursik on his line, and Martinelli powered home at the near post to swing the tie.

Chances followed. Martinelli clipped the post after racing onto a Merino through-ball, then struck the upright again from an acute angle moments later. Madueke squandered a penalty before the break, scuffing wide after winning it himself.

The third goal arrived early in the second half. A quick free-kick from Myles Lewis-Skelly caught Portsmouth cold, Gabriel Jesus squared, and Martinelli tapped in to complete his first brace in two years.

Portsmouth refused to fold, but Arsenal’s authority grew. Martinelli sealed his hat-trick—his first for the club—with another towering header from a Madueke corner, a rare aerial finish delivered with conviction.

Kai Havertz returned from a long injury absence and immediately brought composure, while 16-year-old Marli Salmon became Arsenal’s youngest-ever FA Cup player.

Not a flawless performance, nor an easy afternoon—but quality told. Arsenal move on.

Portsmouth 1 – 4 Arsenal

 (C. Bishop 3’, A Dozzell (OG) 8’, G. Martinelli 25’, 51’, 72’ )