The magic of the FA Cup often relies on the "giant-killing" narrative, but Arsenal made sure there was no such story at Fratton Park. Colby Bishop put Pompey ahead in the 3rd minute, tucking in the rebound after Kepa Arrizabalaga parried Conor Chaplin's effort, and Fratton Park lost its mind. Five minutes later it was level: Andre Dozzell turned an Eberechi Eze corner into his own net with Christian Norgaard breathing down his neck.
The Martinelli Show 🇧🇷
Gabriel Martinelli was unstoppable, netting his first hat-trick for the club. He put us ahead in the 25th minute, heading in a Noni Madueke corner from the right, though replays suggested a goal kick should have been given. Six minutes after the break he slid in at the back post to turn home Gabriel Jesus' low cross, and in the 72nd he headed a second Madueke corner through the goalkeeper's hands.
A Welcome Return
Arteta made ten changes, and the biggest cheer of the night might have been for Kai Havertz, who came on for the final 21 minutes: his first appearance since the opening weekend of the season.
The boss was not going to pretend the start was acceptable:
"We started exactly how we didn't want to - giving them hope and momentum with an early goal."
He was honest about the cost of rotation too: "We made ten changes, there are certain things that are missing in cohesion." And on why a third round tie away at a Championship side still matters: "One thing is being in the next round, the other thing is the club's reputation."