Gabriel Martinelli hat-trick guides Arsenal to win at stubborn Portsmouth

Brazilian international Gabriel Martinelli helped Arsenal get over the line with a match-winning hat-trick against Portsmouth in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Martinelli was the point of difference between the two sides as the Gunners progressed to the next round following a hard fought performance on the pitch.

Arsenal arrived at Fratton Park on the back of a 23-match undefeated run, but were pushed on the back foot with just three minutes on the clock. Colby Bishop stunned the Gunners with an early strike and found the back of the net to put the home side in the driving seat. However, Arsenal were quick enough to script a response with Christian Norgaard forcing Andre Dozzell into scoring an own goal.

After that, it was just a Gabriel Martinelli

show. The Brazilian forward put his side in the lead in the 27th minute after executing Noni Madueke's delivery to perfection. Martinelli has been the talk of the town for being the reason for Conor Bradley’s season ending injury, but he shut all his critics with his 10/10 performance on the pitch.

Portsmouth were not an easy nut to crack as they continued to threaten the Premier League giants and kept on launching attacks, but couldn’t produce anything fruitful. Martinelli’s second goal arrived in the 51st minute when he outpaced all the defenders and capitalised on Portsmouth's vulnerability to put Arsenal 1-3 up in the tie.

His third goal was a replica of his first goal. Martinelli headed it in from a Noni Madueke corner and sealed the deal for the visitors. It was his first ever senior hat-trick and what a way to bring it up. With this win, Arsenal have booked a spot in the next round which will be held in February. This win was more than just a victory for Arsenal. It showcased their dominant set piece techniques coupled with their dedication to protect their badge.