After falling behind early, the Gunners turned the game around against second-division side FC Portsmouth thanks to a hat trick from Gabriel Martinelli. Once again, corner kicks paved the way for victory in Havertz’s comeback after almost five months out with injury.
The FA Cup has not been one of Arsenal FC’s favorite competitions in the past two years. In both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, the Gunners failed to get past the first hurdle in the third round – but their opponents, Liverpool FC and Manchester United, were tougher opponents than this year’s second division side FC Portsmouth. Coach Mikel Arteta sent an improved B team onto the pitch, and national team player Havertz was in the squad for the second time since his injury – and was even allowed to make his comeback for the last 20 minutes.
Kepa’s uncertainty leads to early deficit
But at first, it seemed as if the FA Cup curse would continue. The Gunners got bogged down in their build-up play, allowing Chaplin to shoot from a central position. Kepa, who was standing in for regular keeper Raya, deflected the shot forward, where Bishop was waiting to tap it in. The Premier League leaders had to digest the deficit after less than 180 seconds.
However, help came from the opposition: Martinelli flicked on a short corner with his back to goal, and Dozzell finally pushed the ball over the line into his own net in the ensuing scramble (9′).
Nevertheless, the second division side remained the more active team in the early stages. After 15 minutes, they led 4-0 in shots on goal, but curiously, the scoreboard showed 1-1.
The fouled player misses
Arsenal had found their formula: as with the equalizer, a Madueke corner found Gabriel Martinelli at the near post, who this time headed the ball into the goal himself to make it 2-1 (26′). The Brazilian could have extended the lead even further, but he missed his chances. Then Madueke picked up speed and could only be stopped by Swanson holding him back in the penalty area. The fouled player took the penalty himself, but miserably missed the post (43′). So it remained a narrow 2-1 lead at the break.
After the break, the Gunners got a better grip on the game – and got off to a dream start. Nwaneri took a free kick in the opponent’s half at lightning speed and found Gabriel Jesus on the right corner of the penalty area. He in turn found his compatriot Gabriel Martinelli in the center, who slid the ball into the empty net (52′).
Havertz makes comeback – Martinelli scores third
The game subsequently developed into a one-sided affair, with the only question remaining being the margin of victory. Arteta made a number of substitutions. Among others, international player Havertz was brought on in the 69th minute, returning to the pitch for the first time since mid-August. The German international integrated well with a number of attacking moves, but failed to get on the scoresheet.
Instead, the corner kick formula worked a third time: Madueke once again crossed the ball to the near post, and Gabriel Martinelli once again ran in and headed home his hat trick (72′). The Gunners then switched to energy-saving mode, leaving the final score at 4-1.
This was the Gunners’ first FA Cup win in almost exactly three years. Next up is another cup game, this time in the League Cup. On Wednesday, Arsenal face city rivals Chelsea in the first leg of the semi-final (9 p.m.).