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Gabriel Martinelli isn’t accustomed to being the pantomime villain and he wouldn’t have loved the vitriol directed his method over the previous couple of days. His hot-headed response to the damage suffered by Conor Bradley, shoving the Liverpool defender off the pitch on Thursday, prompted uncomfortable questions of the Brazilian’s character and mentality. On this journey to Portsmouth, he was booed by opposition followers for in all probability the primary time in his profession.
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What higher strategy to change the narrative, then, than scoring a powerful hat-trick? If Thursday’s Premier League draw grew to become all about Martinelli for the fallacious causes, then this FA Cup tie was the other: an event formed by his actions on the ball, reasonably than off it.
By the tip of Martinelli’s afternoon, the Arsenal supporters have been luxuriating in his efficiency – and making mild of the occasions in midweek. They jokingly modified “Gabi, push him off” when Portsmouth’s Franco Umeh went down injured, after which delivered some selection phrases in the direction of Gary Neville. In his Sky Sports activities commentary final week, Neville had described Martinelli’s shove on Bradley as “disgraceful”.
After all, there’s a vital distinction in high quality between Arsenal, the Premier League leaders, and Portsmouth, who’re twenty first within the Championship. Martinelli can have far more troublesome matches this season. However it stays the case that Arsenal wanted a match-winner right here, after falling behind to Colby Bishop’s early purpose, and it was Martinelli who stood up.
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The Brazilian’s hat-trick took him to 9 targets in all competitions and subsequently made him Arsenal’s high scorer this season. Such was his risk within the sport, he ought to have scored 5. An open purpose was in some way missed within the first half, as was a one-versus-one alternative in opposition to Portsmouth goalkeeper Josef Bursik.
Martinelli’s hat-trick was his first in senior soccer – Getty Photographs/Stuart MacFarlane
Martinelli’s three targets, two of which have been headers from corners, allowed Mikel Arteta’s aspect to comfortably recuperate from Bishop’s opener. There have been additionally good performances in assault by Noni Madueke – regardless of a missed penalty – and Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal’s first, their equaliser, was an personal purpose by Portsmouth’s Andre Dozzell.
Full report back to observe…
04:12pm
Arteta talking
We began precisely how we don’t need to, giving them hope and momentum. We turned the sport round with set-pieces, we made a distinction there. Some positives to take, however some issues to work on as properly.
03:54pm
FT: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4
Arsenal are via to the FA Cup fourth spherical. It was not a whole, polished 90-minute efficiency however it was comfy sufficient by the tip because of their effectivity from set-pieces. Arteta unfold the minutes round, and will probably be delighted that Kai Havertz made his comeback from damage. Portsmouth must be counseled for his or her daring strategy, however the gulf in school and athleticism confirmed ultimately. After every week within the headlines, Gabriel Martinelli responds with a hat-trick.
03:50pm
90 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4
Simply the three minutes of stoppage time to play.
03:48pm
87 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4
Wanting on the modifications made by Arteta and the workforce he picked, it seems like he’ll go fairly robust within the League Cup at Chelsea. Rice is an unused sub, whereas Odegaard and Zubimendi have performed restricted minutes from the bench. Trossard, Saliba and Gyokeres not concerned.
03:45pm
84 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4
Not a pleasant second for Portsmouth’s Umeh, introduced on as a first-half substitute. The extensive participant has pulled up with a hamstring drawback and the hosts will end with 10 males as a result of they’ve used all their subs. A few vital blocks from Portsmouth to disclaim Havertz then Eze as Arsenal push for the fifth.
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Arsenal followers singing “Gabi, push him off” when Portsmouth’s Franco Umeh-Chibuez went down injured. The Arsenal followers even have some selection phrases for Gary Neville following the Conor Bradley incident on Thursday.
03:42pm
80 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4
Arsenal protecting the ball with consolation now. There are extra targets on this sport in the event that they need to push for them. Odegaard picks out Eze with a go to the highest of the D, however Bursik pushes his shot extensive. One other change: Martinelli off, Zubimendi on.
03:38pm
77 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4
Salmon has come on at right-back, with Norgaard and Timber now seeing the sport out at centre-back. Makes some sense to play the teenager at full-back reasonably than centre-half. Portsmouth come ahead, and Devlin stings the palms of Kepa with a well-struck try. Tipped across the submit, and Arsenal defend the nook.
03:35pm
74 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4
Arsenal’s gamers are having fun with themselves now, Timber virtually discovering Madueke with a flick within the penalty space. This has been a slick cameo from Havertz, his first contact and weight of go has been on level.
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Right here’s a second of historical past: Marli Salmon, 16, turns into the youngest participant to characteristic for Arsenal within the FA Cup, changing Gabriel.
03:32pm
GOOOAALL! Martinelli completes his hat-trick
Arsenal’s third purpose from a nook on this sport. Madueke with one other inswinger to the close to submit, and Martinelli’s header had an excessive amount of energy for Bursik within the Portsmouth purpose. I feel the goalkeeper ought to have achieved higher.
03:31pm
71 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 3
Kai Havertz is at centre-forward for Arsenal for the primary time because the opening weekend of the season. Merino virtually slides Eze in with a cute via ball however it was intercepted. Havertz then finds Madueke with a beautiful go, however the winger’s deflected shot goes extensive. May he have handed? Arsenal nook.
03:28pm
68 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 3
Portsmouth having fun with a robust spell, they’ve one other nook after a Martinelli giveaway, however as soon as once more they repel the strain. Segecic comes once more although, and this time Ben White is fouled for bringing him down.
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That’s White’s final act of the sport as a result of Arteta is making three subs: Havertz on for Jesus, Timber on for White and Odegaard on for Nwaneri.
03:25pm
65 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 3
Segecic nutmegs Ben White, and the Arsenal right-back pushes him over on the expense of a free-kick. Portsmouth are nonetheless doing the fitting issues, they haven’t caved since conceding the primary. Segecic’s supply was menacing, and Arsenal did properly to clear.
03:22pm
62 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 3
Lewis-Skelly seems for an inexpensive foul which the referee doesn’t give, earlier than Ben White turns a cross behind for a Portsmouth nook underneath no strain. Arsenal defend and clear their traces.
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Mousinho is making a double change: Pack on for Le Roux, and Ogilvie on for Shaughnessy.
03:19pm
60 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 3
Fairly a comical second as Gabriel exchanges phrases with some Portsmouth followers who give him some stick. I feel one among them touched his again as he collected the ball, which the large defender was not greatest happy with. Arsenal now have a nook, after one other transfer involving Nwaneri. Martinelli will get an excessive amount of on a flicked header this time, and it goes extensive.
03:17pm
58 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 3
Arsenal’s high quality beginning to shine via now. Nwaneri, who has quietly had a optimistic efficiency, exchanges passes with Madueke on the fringe of the field however the winger couldn’t fairly get his shot off.
03:15pm
55 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 3
The sport is a little bit stretched now and Portsmouth’s gamers are wanting ragged. Le Roux is booked for a foul on Nwaneri, after which Devlin is penalised for holding on to Martinelli.
03:13pm
53 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 3
Portsmouth have responded properly to that set-back, profitable a few corners in fast succession. The deliveries proceed to be good, however the house workforce can’t win first contact. Madueke then buys a foul, Mousinho not proud of the referee’s resolution.
03:12pm
GOOOAALL! Martinelli certainly makes the sport secure
Madueke with burst inside from the fitting, he was fouled an Lewis-Skelly took the free-kick shortly. Zipped a go into Jesus, and he teased an ideal ball throughout the field for Martinelli to attain a faucet in. Two for Martinelli this afternoon.
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Gabriel and Merino went straight to Lewis-Skelly to congratulate him on that fast free-kick to Jesus, resulting in Martinelli’s purpose. Large slaps on the again for Lewis-Skelly after a troublesome half.
03:09pm
49 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
Bishop and Chaplin with some good hyperlink up play to assist Portsmouth win a nook, and the supply ran throughout the field, however Ben White made an ideal block to disclaim Chaplin. That was an opportunity. Merino then wins a foul in midfield.
03:08pm
47 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
It feels just like the ball has not touched the bottom for the primary jiffy of the half, a great deal of head tennis, however Nwaneri wins a free-kick in midfield to assist Arsenal achieve some management. Chaplin’s go for Portsmouth in the direction of Segecic is simply too robust and Arsenal have a throw. Jesus then loses the ball when there was an opportunity to feed Eze.
03:05pm
We’re again underneath method!
Arsenal get the second half began.
03:04pm
The gamers are again out
Appears like Arteta has determined in opposition to making any modifications, however a couple of Arsenal gamers have to go up a gear on this second half.
02:53pm
A well-known story
02:49pm
HT: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
A reasonably even first half usually play, however Portsmouth have been undone by two set-pieces.
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Arsenal lead however this has been extra of a battle than anticipated, and Arteta will need to see an enchancment within the second half.
There have been indicators of higher attacking play within the final 10 or quarter-hour of the half, with Madueke lacking a penalty that would have made the tie secure.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli scores their second purpose – Reuters/Andrew Boyers
02:46pm
44 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
Lewis-Skelly proven a yellow card for dragging down Umeh. The Arsenal left-back bought himself in a little bit of a large number, there. Three minutes of stoppage time to play.
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Within the house of round three minutes, Arsenal have missed an open purpose and a penalty. Madueke was completely determined to take it, immediately grabbing the ball after his glorious run pressured the foul.
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On the different finish, Lewis-Skelly is having a troublesome time this afternoon. He’s been booked and, frankly, seems to be missing a lot of the arrogance that underpinned his breakthrough marketing campaign final 12 months.
02:44pm
Madueke misses!
He stuttered and despatched the goalkeeper the fallacious method, however dragged his shot extensive of the submit. Tried to be too cute with it.
02:43pm
Arsenal penalty!
Madueke with a dribble into the field from the fitting, and he’s introduced down by Swanson. Not a lot in it, however the Arsenal winger was the fallacious aspect. Madueke goes to take it.
02:42pm
42 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
Arsenal are beginning to discover their fluence as an attacking drive now. Jesus skips via a couple of challenges with a dribble via the center, feeds White on the overlap and his low cross whistles throughout the field and bounced off Martinelli on the again submit and in opposition to the submit.
02:40pm
40 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
This can be a disgrace for Portsmouth: Harvey Blair has picked up and damage, and is changed by Umeh-Chibueze.
02:38pm
39 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
Portsmouth with a free-kick into the mixer from the midway line, however Gabriel helps Arsenal clear their traces.
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Kepa then picks out Nwaneri who turns into in acres of house in midfield, and the transfer ends with a blocked Madueke shot.
02:35pm
34 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
Ben White is getting back from a hamstring damage, and appears rusty. Arsenal have been a bit susceptible down that aspect, with Norgaard additionally filling in at centre-back on the fitting.
Higher soccer from Arsenal involving Nwaneri and Eze however then Martinelli sells Lewis-Skelly quick with a easy go.
02:33pm
32 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
Swanson skips past White too simply, however Merino will get Arsenal out of hassle with a well-timed sliding deal with in his personal field. Jesus is then flagged offside after Portsmouth misplaced the ball cheaply on the sting of the field.
02:31pm
half-hour: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
Arsenal nonetheless struggling to maintain the ball for lengthy intervals of time, however they’re threatening in moments.
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Merino with a cute go via the Portsmouth defence for the run of Martinelli, and the ahead took the shot early however curled the shot past the far submit.
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Mikel Merino has been glorious within the No 6 place thus far. Successful tackles and headers, pirouetting away from challenges and he performed the perfect go of the sport to create that probability for Gabriel Martinelli. Such an clever participant.
02:28pm
27 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
Nwaneri with a driving run via the center, however he meets visitors on the fringe of the field. Merino with a foul in midfield, after which Portsmouth win a throw excessive up the pitch with Swanson’s cross blocked by Norgaard.
02:26pm
GOOOOALL! Arsenal rating from one other nook
Gabriel Martinelli, within the headlines this week for the fallacious causes, glances a header into the far nook with the goalkeeper Bursik in no-man’s-land. It was a cracking inswinger from Madueke, and Arsenal – having barely bought began – lead.
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The Championship workforce right here has performed front-foot aggressive soccer, urgent excessive and attacking every time they will.
The Premier League aspect has struggled badly to construct possession or momentum, however have dominated on the set-pieces.
You’d normally count on this to be the opposite method spherical. Arsenal have change into the set-piece bullies they used to hate.
02:25pm
24 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 1
Higher transfer from Arsenal, however Jesus is a little bit hesitant when there was an opportunity to shift and shoot it within the field. Madueke with a burst down the fitting, and Swanson wins a superb deal with on the expense of a nook.
02:22pm
21 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 1
Shaughnessy wins Portsmouth a throw after a robust however truthful deal with on Nwaneri. Portsmouth will probably be pissed off that they conceded that purpose from a nook, as a result of Arsenal have not likely come shut other than that second.
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Fratton Park is likely one of the nice atmospheric grounds in English soccer and it’s very a lot alive as we speak. This place is rocking and the house gamers are feeding off that. Arsenal look shaky each time Portsmouth come ahead and so they have nonetheless not had sustained possession within the opposition half.
02:20pm
19 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 1
Nwaneri with a free go straight out for a throw after Arsenal had labored their method into house in midfield. Arteta will probably be happy to be degree, however he is not going to be impressed by the requirements of his workforce thus far.
Eze restores some order by placing his foot on the ball in midfield.
02:17pm
16 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 1
Good probability for Portsmouth once more! Blair with a lot house on the right-hand nook of the field, and his low shot in the direction of the far nook was saved by Kepa, and the ball very almost rebounded off Bishop and in. One other warning signal for Arsenal.
02:16pm
quarter-hour: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 1
Arsenal nonetheless struggling for continuity. Their midfield three of Merino, Nwaneri and Eze are all used to working in superior areas, none are actually tempo-setters from deep. Madueke has began this sport poorly, not making it stick.
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Good play from Portsmouth down the fitting with Devlin, and he pulls a harmful cross via the field.
02:13pm
12 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 1
Havey Blair wins a free-kick for a foul by Ben White, and Bishop loops a header in the direction of purpose that has Kepa back-peddling however he claims comfortably ultimately. Arsenal then assault however Ben White is flagged for offside.
02:11pm
10 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 1
An eventful begin to this Cup tie, then. Portsmouth proceed to look fairly assured, knocking the ball round on the again and urgent Arsenal. The Premier League aspect are beginning to win extra battles although, profitable fouls and turning the momentum.
02:09pm
GOOOAALL! Norgaard ranges for Arsenal
That ought to settle Arsenal down, and Portsmouth’s set-piece struggles within the league have continued within the cup. The nook was helped on by Merino on the close to submit and in a little bit of a scramble, Norgaard nudged the ball over the road. In reality, the ball got here off Portsmouth’s Dozell final. Personal purpose.
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Arsenal’s set-piece prowess is an excellent security blanket for this workforce and it’s achieved the job once more right here. At any time when issues change into uncomfortable, they will all the time flip to their set-pieces and realize it’s a possible route again into the sport.
02:07pm
7 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 0
The sport has been paused whereas the medical workforce at Fratton Park cope with an incident within the crowd on the Fratton Finish.
It is just a brief pause although, we’re again underneath method.
02:06pm
5 minutes: Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 0
Portsmouth proceed to be on the entrance foot, and Arsenal are but to settle. A mountain to climb could be an exaggeration, however Arteta’s workforce have already made this needlessly hectic.
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The guests do have a nook now although, after a Martinelli cross.
02:04pm
GOOOAALLL! Bishop provides Portsmouth a shock lead
It had been a sleepy begin by Arsenal, and the Premier League leaders have been punished for it.
Madueke misplaced possession, the ball was cut-back from the left, Chaplin’s shot was saved by Kepa however there was Bishop to faucet house the rebound. Ought to the Arsenal goalkeeper have pushed the ball across the submit?
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What a wonderful begin by Portsmouth. Arsenal haven’t even made it out of their very own half but and they’re already trailing. Only a few groups press Arsenal so aggressively however Portsmouth have their reward already.
02:02pm
2 minutes: Portsmouth 0 Arsenal 0
Swanson with an early cross into the Arsenal penalty space, however there isn’t any blue shirt near it and Lewis-Skelly ushers the ball out for a throw. Gabriel then shanks a clearance out for a throw, earlier than Kepa claims a cross.
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Arsenal then achieve some territory with a Lewis-Skelly ball down the road.
02:00pm
KICK OFF!
Portsmouth get this third-round FA Cup tie underneath method.
01:58pm
The gamers are out at Fratton Park
Portsmouth’s house package options purple socks, so in a change from Arsenal’s ordinary strip this season they’re carrying white socks. Some individuals have robust opinions about this stuff.
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Large day as we speak for Portsmouth’s Zak Swanson, who spent 14 years at Arsenal after first becoming a member of the membership aged six.
01:57pm
22 years in the past now
01:38pm
May Arteta spring a shock?
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Simply one other thought on the Arsenal workforce: is it potential that Merino truly performs centre-back as we speak and Norgaard sits on the base of midfield? I feel it’s unlikely however it’s actually potential. I truly assume Merino could be a good centre-back, in emergencies. Reads the sport properly, has nice timing within the air…
Arsenal have named a makeshift midfield – Reuters/Toby Melville
01:36pm
John Mousinho talking
He says there may be “no strain” on his gamers and needs Portsmouth to recapture their degree of efficiency from over the Christmas interval. Mousinho describes Arsenal as “in my view, the perfect workforce on the planet.”
01:09pm
No Trossard within the Arsenal squad
Whether or not that’s a relaxation or a niggle we must wait and see. Marli Salmon can also be required on the bench as a second defender. Arsenal have so many attacking choices, one will fail to make the squad for each sport. Within the Premier League, that has been Ethan Nwaneri of late, however he begins in midfield as we speak.
01:05pm
An uncommon Arsenal midfield
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Numerous modifications from Arsenal, as you’ll count on. Maybe probably the most fascinating side of their workforce is the midfield three: Merino, Eze, Nwaneri. That might counsel Merino might be enjoying on the base of the central three, within the position normally occupied by Zubimendi.
Merino has spent his Arsenal profession as both a box-to-box “No 8” or a centre-forward. I don’t recall seeing him on this place earlier than.
01:02pm
Portsmouth workforce and subs
Beginning XI: Bursik, Poole, Shaughnessy, Bishop, Segecic, Le Roux, Dozzell, Swanson, Devlin, Blair, Chaplin
Subs: Killip, Williams, Bowat, Ogilvie, Farrell, Pack, Swift, Umeh, Kirk
01:01pm
Arsenal workforce and subs: 10 modifications from Liverpool draw
Beginning XI: Kepa; White, Norgaard, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Merino, Eze; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
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Subs: Raya, Saka, Odegaard, Timber, Gyokeres, Havertz, Zubimendi, Rice, Salmon
12:58pm
A gray day on the south coast
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Arsenal performed via a grisly rainstorm in Thursday’s goalless draw with Liverpool and it seems like they may have to take action once more right here. It’s chilly and moist and windy and altogether fairly disagreeable. I’m certain it can warmth up properly, when it comes to ambiance at the very least, by kick-off.
Portsmouth are literally winless of their final 22 video games in opposition to Arsenal in all competitions, since a 5-4 win in March 1958. Few will probably be backing them as we speak however yesterday’s occasions proved as soon as once more that we must always all the time count on the sudden on this competitors.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus with Arsenal’s squad – Reuters/Toby Melville
12:53pm
Why Gyokeres is struggling
To date this season, 33 strikers have performed 500 minutes or extra within the Premier League. Of these 33, Gyokeres ranks thirty third for possession loss fee, which implies he loses the ball extra instances per contact than some other striker within the division. His possession loss fee is 42.7 per cent.
12:51pm
Kai Havertz has arrived with the Arsenal squad
The German has not performed because the opening weekend of the season at Manchester United the place he sustained knee injury. It’s extremely uncertain he will probably be match to begin, however he could possibly be given minutes off the bench.
12:47pm
Portsmouth battiling to remain within the Championship
Fratton Park generates an ideal ambiance, however Portsmouth have already misplaced six Championship house video games this season as they hover simply above the relegation zone. Goalscoring has been an issue; solely Sheffield Wednesday have scored fewer and Portsmouth have hardly been profligate, rating second-bottom for anticipated targets. They’re coming into this sport on the again of a 5-0 defeat by Bristol Metropolis. Evidently, it has been robust going after promotion from League One two seasons in the past.
12:37pm
Arsenal have an excessive amount of depth to write down off the cups
Portsmouth vs Arsenal within the FA Cup has a nostalgic really feel to it, with Thierry Henry as soon as receiving a standing ovation from Fratton Park after his efficiency in a 5-1 quarter-final victory in 2004.
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Mikel Arteta’s workforce additionally received 2-0 on the south coast within the fifth spherical in 2020 simply earlier than soccer was suspended earlier than due to the Covid pandemic.
Arsenal’s supervisor was one of many first distinguished figures in English soccer to check optimistic for the virus, and he recalled this week feeling distinctly underneath the climate whereas on the touchline at Portsmouth.
The London membership went on to win the FA Cup after soccer’s resumption that summer season, so a tie in opposition to the membership positioned twenty first within the Championship could possibly be a superb omen.
That triumph stays Arteta’s solely main trophy at Arsenal, with consideration fastened on delivering the league title after three consecutive runner-up finishes.
Arsenal may also need to enhance on their efforts within the FA Cup although, having been knocked out within the fourth spherical and the third spherical twice in every of the final three seasons (by Man Metropolis, Liverpool and Manchester United).
They actually have the squad depth to handle an assault on a number of competitions, with Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus prone to begin in a robust rotated aspect.
The one space the place Arsenal are quick is in defence, the place they’re lacking Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori and now Piero Hincapie with accidents. That may imply one or each of William Saliba and Gabriel being pressed into motion when Arteta would have most well-liked to offer them a relaxation.
Arsenal play Chelsea within the first leg of a League Cup semi-final on Wednesday earlier than resuming Premier League duties at Nottingham Forest.
Full workforce information on the way in which shortly.