Arsenal player ratings vs Portsmouth: Hat-trick hero Gabriel Martinelli fires Gunners into FA Cup fourth round as 'Set-Piece FC' flex their muscles to survive early scare | Goal.com Malaysia

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):

Returning to duty as Arsenal's goalkeeper for domestic cup competitions, the Spaniard will be disappointed with his role in Portsmouth's opener, palming the ball straight into the path of Bishop. However, he was able to put that mistake behind him, going on to make four saves as the hosts failed to find a second.

Ben White (7/10):

Making his first appearance in 2026, the defender thought he set up Martinelli with the scoreline 1-2, only for his team-mate to strike the post from close range. He then made a terrific block to deny Portsmouth's Chaplin in the early stages of the second half.

Christian Norgaard (6/10):

Operating as an emergency centre-back, the Dane failed to track Bishop on two occasions as Portsmouth took an early lead. However, he was able to recover by playing a significant role in helping Arsenal draw level just five minutes later - though he wasn't awarded the goal.

Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10):

While the Gunners' defensive lynchpin was generally composed throughout, he surprisingly won just 13 per cent (1/8) of his aerial duels.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (7/10):

Replacing the injured Hincapie at left-back, the England international showed great instincts to play a quick free-kick into Jesus, who teed up Martinelli for Arsenal's third.

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Midfield

Ethan Nwaneri (5/10):

Handed his first start since early November, the midfielder - on his FA Cup debut - was unable to seize the opportunity to shine, failing to create a single chance in almost 70 minutes of play.

Mikel Merino (8/10):

Often deployed as a striker this season, the stand-in captain was handed a midfield shift on the south coast and he excelled, particularly with his passing from deep.

Eberechi Eze (6/10):

Returning to the FA Cup for the first time since scoring the winner in last season's final, the midfielder curled in the corner which brought about Arsenal's leveller, in an otherwise quiet display.

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Attack

Noni Madueke (7/10):

It was a mixed bag from the winger, who lost possession in the build up to Portsmouth's opener before making amends with the assist for Arsenal's second. He then won a first-half penalty for his side after a brilliant burst of pace, only to miss the target with the resulting spot-kick. The 23-year-old went on to record his second assist of the afternoon - once again setting up Martinelli with a brilliant in-swinging corner.

Gabriel Jesus (7/10):

Looking to build on his recent goal against Aston Villa in the league, the striker was much more lively after the interval, registering the assist for Martinelli's second with a superb cross.

Gabriel Martinelli (9/10):

After causing a stir in Thursday's clash with Liverpool, the forward rose highest at the near post to head Arsenal in front after 25 minutes. After passing up the chance to bag another in the first half, hitting the post with the goal gaping, he eventually scored his second when he met Jesus' teasing cross before the hour mark. The 24-year-old then completed his hat-trick with a late header from yet another corner.

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Subs & Manager

Kai Havertz (6/10):

Making his long-awaited return from injury, the forward picked up some clever positions as Arsenal romped to victory in the second half.

Jurrien Timber (6/10):

Replacing White at right-back, the ex-Ajax man never put a foot wrong, completing 100% (24/24) of his attempted passes.

Martin Odegaard (6/10):

Alongside Timber and Havertz, the midfielder was calmness personified on the ball as Portsmouth were completely shut out of the final 20 minutes of action.

Marli Salmon (N/A):

With Arsenal home and hosed, the 16-year-old was introduced in the dying embers of the game.

Martin Zubimendi (N/A):

A late, late substitute for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

Making 10 changes to the side that drew with Liverpool in midweek, the Arsenal boss will be absolutely delighted with the performances of impressive duo White and Martinelli. However, the Spaniard will be equally disappointed with Nwaneri and Eze, with the pair struggling to sparkle in midfield.