Arsenal's FA Cup win over Portsmouth marked a crucial comeback victory for the Gunners, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring an impressive hat-trick to secure a 4-1 triumph and send them into the fourth round.
Martinelli's performance was a response to recent criticism he faced following his reaction to Conor Bradley's season-ending injury earlier in the week. The Brazilian winger silenced his critics by delivering a stunning display, netting three goals from corners in just 25 minutes to take Arsenal's set-piece tally for the season to 22.
The match began with an early scare for Arsenal as Portsmouth's Colby Bishop scored after Kepa Arrizabalaga palmed Conor Chaplin's strike into his path. However, the Gunners were level five minutes later through Christian Norgaard's goal, which was awarded despite replays suggesting the ball had deflected off Pompey defender Andre Dozzell.
Arsenal took control of the match and scored three more goals from corners, with Martinelli nodding home two of them. The Brazilian winger also missed a couple of chances to increase his tally, including hitting the post from just yards out.
The result sees Arsenal progress into Monday's fourth round draw, where they will focus on their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Martinelli's performance but acknowledged that there were still areas for improvement in terms of cohesion and individual technical skills.
Arteta also highlighted the importance of his team's squad depth, which was evident as he named a strong side despite making 10 changes from their previous match against Liverpool. The Gunners' huge squad depth means they have the potential to compete successfully across multiple competitions, including the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Premier League.
Martinelli himself looked sharp and clinical in his performance, scoring his first senior hat-trick with ease. His ability to contribute from set pieces has become a significant threat for opposing teams, and his goalscoring form is a key factor in Arsenal's success this season.
As the Gunners prepare for their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Wednesday, they will be eager to build on their FA Cup win and continue their impressive run of form. With Martinelli's impressive performance and Arteta's management, there are reasons to believe that Arsenal have a strong chance of going far in all four competitions.
Martinelli's performance was a response to recent criticism he faced following his reaction to Conor Bradley's season-ending injury earlier in the week. The Brazilian winger silenced his critics by delivering a stunning display, netting three goals from corners in just 25 minutes to take Arsenal's set-piece tally for the season to 22.
The match began with an early scare for Arsenal as Portsmouth's Colby Bishop scored after Kepa Arrizabalaga palmed Conor Chaplin's strike into his path. However, the Gunners were level five minutes later through Christian Norgaard's goal, which was awarded despite replays suggesting the ball had deflected off Pompey defender Andre Dozzell.
Arsenal took control of the match and scored three more goals from corners, with Martinelli nodding home two of them. The Brazilian winger also missed a couple of chances to increase his tally, including hitting the post from just yards out.
The result sees Arsenal progress into Monday's fourth round draw, where they will focus on their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Martinelli's performance but acknowledged that there were still areas for improvement in terms of cohesion and individual technical skills.
Arteta also highlighted the importance of his team's squad depth, which was evident as he named a strong side despite making 10 changes from their previous match against Liverpool. The Gunners' huge squad depth means they have the potential to compete successfully across multiple competitions, including the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Premier League.
Martinelli himself looked sharp and clinical in his performance, scoring his first senior hat-trick with ease. His ability to contribute from set pieces has become a significant threat for opposing teams, and his goalscoring form is a key factor in Arsenal's success this season.
As the Gunners prepare for their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Wednesday, they will be eager to build on their FA Cup win and continue their impressive run of form. With Martinelli's impressive performance and Arteta's management, there are reasons to believe that Arsenal have a strong chance of going far in all four competitions.
#Arsenal #FA Cup win is a huge confidence booster for the team, and Gabriel Martinelli's hat-trick performance was absolute 
perfection! 
He silenced his critics with some serious skills on the pitch. I'm loving how the squad depth is really paying off for Arteta - 10 changes and still came out on top! 
#GetaBackToTheChampionsLeague #ArsenalIsBack #MartinelliForGoals 
I'm so glad he silenced his critics with an epic hat-trick! The way he took down those corners like a pro... what can't this guy do? 
Arteta's squad depth is insane, it's like they have a never-ending talent pool at their disposal. Can you imagine playing against that depth?! 
I'm seriously starting to think we'll see Arsenal lifting multiple trophies this season! 
what a talent! 
. And you can't deny that his performance silenced all the critics who were saying he wasn't good enough.
. They've got so many talented players who can step in at short notice, which makes them super hard to beat. The fact that they made 10 changes against Liverpool and still won shows just how strong they are!
! They looked super solid despite making 10 changes from their last match against Liverpool. Martinelli's hat-trick was insane, I mean who needs that many goals from corners? 
️ scoring three goals from corners in like 25 minutes?? that's insane! i know he got some flak after bradley's injury but now he's silenced his critics with a hat-trick performance