Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus were the standout performers as Arsenal secured a convincing 4–1 comeback victory over Portsmouth, booking their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Playing away at Fratton Park on Sunday (11), the Gunners recovered from an early setback and dominated the match, with Martinelli scoring three goals and receiving key support from fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus.
Brazilian Partnership Decides the Match
The turning point came early in the second half. In the 6th minute, Gabriel Jesus delivered a precise low cross into the box, and Martinelli slid in to finish, extending Arsenal’s lead and effectively killing off Portsmouth’s momentum.
Martinelli, who came through Ituano’s youth academy, continued his brilliant display and scored again in the 27th minute, completing his hat-trick. He was substituted in the 38th minute to a standing ovation, making way for Martín Zubimendi.
IT’S THREE!
Martinelli grabs his second of the game, sliding home from Jesus’ perfect pass 🤩
🔵 1-3 🔴 (51) pic.twitter.com/8YSqKpZhZU
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 11, 2026
Arsenal’s Goals and Key Moments
Arsenal’s comeback began in the first half. After Portsmouth opened the scoring through Colby Bishop, the Gunners equalized with an own goal by Andre Dozzell.
Martinelli then put Arsenal ahead in the 25th minute, rising above the defense to head home a corner taken by Noni Madueke, who later missed a penalty in the 43rd minute.
HAT-TRICK FOR GABI!
Martinelli connects with another Madueke corner to take home the match ball 3️⃣
🔵 1-4 🔴 (72) pic.twitter.com/VtCmBHHnSt
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 11, 2026
Other FA Cup Results
Several Premier League giants also advanced to the next round of the FA Cup:
- Manchester City defeated Exeter 10–1
- Chelsea beat Charlton 5–1
- Sunderland, Wolves, Newcastle, Fulham, and Aston Villa also qualified
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Everton, Bournemouth, and Tottenham were eliminated.
Still to play:
- Manchester United vs Brighton – Sunday, 7:30 pm (UK time)
- Liverpool vs Barnsley – Monday (12), 8:45 pm (UK time)
Match Details – Portsmouth vs Arsenal
Competition: FA Cup (Third Round)
Date: January 11, 2026
Portsmouth:
Borsik; Devlin, Poole, Shaughnessy (Ogilvie), Swanson (Williams); Le Roux (Pack), Dozzell, Segecic (Swift), Blair (Umeh); Chaplin, Bishop
Coach: John Mousinho
Arsenal:
Kepa; White (Timber), Nørgaard, Gabriel Magalhães (Salmon), Lewis-Skelly; Mikel Merino, Nwaneri (Ødegaard), Eze; Madueke, Martinelli (Zubimendi), Gabriel Jesus (Havertz)
Coach: Mikel Arteta
