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Gabriel Martinelli netted his first hat-trick for Arsenal, as Premier League leaders triumphed over second-tier Portsmouth with a 4-1 victory to advance to the FA Cup fourth round.
FA Cup: Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick as Arsenal beat Portsmouth 4-1. (AP)
Gabriel Martinelli brushed off criticism regarding his altercation with injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley and propelled Arsenal to a 4-1 victory over Portsmouth in the FA Cup’s fourth round on Sunday.
Portsmouth, a Championship team, had hopes of upsetting the Premier League leaders when Colby Bishop scored within three minutes.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made ten changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Liverpool on Thursday.
Martinelli faced severe criticism for attempting to push Bradley off the pitch after the Northern Irishman suffered a serious knee injury in the closing stages.
Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that their right-back will require surgery and will miss the rest of the season.
The Brazilian apologised to Bradley post-match and seemed unaffected by the controversy at Fratton Park.
Arsenal’s set-piece prowess proved decisive in overturning the deficit.
Pompey’s lead lasted only two minutes as Christian Norgaard scored from close range before Martinelli flicked in the first of his three goals.
Noni Madueke missed the chance to make it 3-1 from the penalty spot when the England international fired wide.
Martinelli sealed the win early in the second half from a Gabriel Jesus cross, then completed his hat-trick from another Arsenal corner.
Leeds United needed a second-half comeback to defeat Derby County 3-1 and secure their place in the fourth round.
The Premier League side has lost only once in their last nine games, moving clear of the relegation zone.
However, they were trailing at half-time to second-tier Derby after Chilean international Ben Brereton Diaz drilled a shot into the bottom corner.
Joel Piroe had missed a penalty saved by Jacob Zetterstrom before Leeds fell behind, but the Dutch striker redeemed himself by contributing to the comeback.
Jaka Bijol played the ball into the area, and Piroe’s clever step-over allowed Willy Gnonto to smash home a 55th-minute equaliser.
Four minutes later, Piroe’s low shot was parried by Zetterstrom, and Ao Tanaka slotted in the rebound.
Leeds ensured victory in stoppage time when James Justin finished off a slick counter-attack.
(With inputs from Agencies)
London, United Kingdom (UK)
January 11, 2026, 22:13 IST
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