Martinelli Nets Hat-trick As Arsenal Cruise Past Portsmouth In FA Cup

Gabriel Martinelli struck three times as Arsenal overturned an early scare to beat Portsmouth 4-1 and secure a place in the FA Cup fourth round. The Premier League leaders fell behind inside three minutes at Fratton Park but recovered quickly and controlled the tie, with Martinelli’s display underlining Arsenal’s attacking depth in domestic cup competition.

Portsmouth briefly sensed an upset when Colby Bishop punished uncharacteristically loose Arsenal defending after just three minutes. The early goal lifted the home crowd and tested Arsenal’s composure, yet Mikel Arteta’s side soon settled. Arsenal increased the tempo, dominated possession and rarely allowed Portsmouth to threaten again once the equaliser arrived.

Martinelli has not been guaranteed

a starting place this season, beginning only 12 matches in all competitions, yet the forward continued to deliver in cup games. This hat-trick moved Martinelli to nine goals for the campaign, with eight coming in cup ties. It was also the first time Martinelli scored three in a single match for Arsenal.

The significance of Martinelli’s display extended beyond this tie. His treble was the first scored by an Arsenal player in an FA Cup match since Theo Walcott achieved the feat against Southampton in January 2017. Martinelli also reached this milestone on his 249th Arsenal appearance, underlining long-term consistency despite limited league starts.

Arsenal’s comeback began from a set piece, with their strength on dead balls proving important again. Andre Dozzell turned the ball into Portsmouth’s net under pressure, bringing Arsenal level. Soon after, Noni Madueke delivered a superb inswinging cross from the right, and Martinelli met it with a firm header to put Arsenal 2-1 ahead by the 25th minute.

Before half-time, Arsenal had chances to place the contest beyond Portsmouth. Martinelli struck the woodwork with a powerful effort, moments before Madueke earned a penalty following a driving run into the box. Madueke took the spot-kick but sliced wide, leaving Portsmouth still in touch at the break despite Arsenal’s control.

1 - Gabriel Martinelli has scored his first hat-trick for Arsenal (249th appearance), with this the first for them in the FA Cup since Theo Walcott's treble in January 2017 (v Southampton). Clinical. pic.twitter.com/VHRVDErhEMOptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 11, 2026

Arsenal restored a two-goal cushion early in the second half. Gabriel Jesus broke down the flank and drilled a low cross into the six-yard area, where Martinelli slid in ahead of the defence to score his second. Portsmouth struggled to respond, with Arsenal’s movement and passing keeping the hosts pinned back.

Martinelli completed the hat-trick in the 72nd minute, again from a dead-ball situation. Madueke swung in another dangerous corner from the right, and Martinelli rose highest to head past the goalkeeper for 4-1. Arsenal’s superiority meant any hopes of FA Cup giant-killing faded long before the final whistle at Fratton Park.

Statistically, Martinelli was central to everything Arsenal produced in attack. Martinelli attempted a team-high six shots and converted three of them. Creative support came from Madueke and Martin Odegaard, who each fashioned three chances for teammates, with Madueke directly assisting two of Martinelli’s goals from the right flank.

The match also allowed Arteta to ease Kai Havertz back after injury, reflecting the depth available as Arsenal balance league and cup schedules. With nine goals this season and strong cup form, Martinelli strengthened the case for more regular starts as Arsenal move into the FA Cup fourth round and continue their wider trophy push.