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Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players in their clash with Portsmouth
Arsenal progressed to the third round of the FA Cup after a win on the south coast.
The Gunners went a goal down following a poor stop from Kepa Arrizabalaga which parried the ball immediately into the path of Colby Bishop who gratefully smashed in. Thankfully, an Arsenal set piece was on hand to level things soon after, Gabriel Martinelli’s flick eventually being found by Christian Norgaard, but an Andre Dozzell touch saw it into the net for an own goal.
Martinelli then turned goalscorer, heading in past Josef Bursik from Noni Madueke’s whipped corner. Madueke then could have scored himself after winning a penalty but dragged his spot kick wide rather horrendously.
Martinelli got his second after a brilliantly worked quick free-kick, which Gabriel Jesus put on a plate for him. His hat-trick again came from a third corner kick, whipped in again by Madueke. Kai Havertz’s cameo was definitely something to shout about too!
Here is how fooball.london rated the performance:
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Poor for the opening goal after parrying the ball into the path of Bishop when he should have pushed it around the side of the post. 6
Ben White – Provided some nice overlapping runs and crosses into the box down the right. Excellent block in the second half, diving in to prevent a big chance. 7
Christian Norgaard – First goal for his new club was stolen off him after it was deemed to instead be an own goal by Dozzell. His position appeared very fluid, often finding himself in midfield, his more natural role, and moving out of the back line as White would then tuck in. 7
Gabriel – The only player to survive the major rotation from the Liverpool game. Stayed strong in the game and leaned into it's energy and had some words with some home fans in the second half. 7
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Endured a tricky first half, which continued his recent form, and was booked too after a cynical challenge, having been beaten in a duel. He did settle into the second half but desperately needs to find some confidence. 5
Mikel Merino – Excellent pass through the middle to Martinelli, creating a big chance. Overall, the best in the middle throughout despite playing an unfamiliar number six role, all over the field with some great interceptions and progressive passing. 9
Eberechi Eze – Responsible for the corner which eventually found it's way to Norgaard for the equaliser. Wasn’t necessarily heavily involved with many moments in the second half whatsoever besides a shot from outside the box that tested the keeper. 6
Ethan Nwaneri – Was a bright showing from Nwaneri, kicking off the game with some nice interchanges of play and a great pass into the box for Madueke leading to the corner that would spark the Gunners’ second goal. 7
Noni Madueke – Perfect delivery for the second Arsenal goal, finding Martinelli’s head from the corner. Won a penalty after a great run, but then dragged his shot wide from the spot after an awkward, slow run-up. Some redemption came from yet another corner that led to Martinelli’s hat-trick goal. 7
Gabriel Jesus – Buzzed around the middle of the front line, finding some nice interchanges and passes, a setup for Madueke that was particularly nice, leading to a shot. An amazing pass for the third goal, finding Gabriel Martinelli at the back post. Solid performance from the Brazilian. 7
Gabriel Martinelli – Great headed goal from a corner after already flicking on the first for the opening goal too. Had a great chance for a second, which he one-on-one curled round the keeper and the post.
Only had to tap in after the pass from Jesus in the second half, in what was overall a very good performance. His third from another corner showing that his aerial ability, which was predominantly on show when he first joined the club, has not diminished. 9
Substitutes:
Kai Havertz – Coming on to make his first appearance since the opening day of the season where he suffered a knee injury. Immediately on and played a perfect pass through to Noni Madueke to set up a chance. Produced some great moments in a hugely encouraging performance. 7
Martin Odegaard – Replaced Ethan Nwaneri and dropped in alongside Merino to help sure up the midfield. 6
Jurrien Timber – Replaced Ben White and added some security down the right-hand side. 6
Marli Salmon – Great to see the youngster come on to replace Gabriel late on. Produced a strong sliding challenge to the delight of the fans. 6
Martin Zubimendi – Replacing hat-trick hero Gabriel Martinelli late on. n/a
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