FA Cup: Martinelli hat-trick powers Arsenal to 4–1 win over Portsmouth

Arsenal booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup after a comfortable 4–1 win over Championship side Portsmouth on Sunday, with Gabriel Martinelli brushing aside the criticism that followed his clash with injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley.

Portsmouth had shocked the visitors by taking an early lead just three minutes into the game when Colby Bishop found the net, raising hopes of a famous upset against the Premier League leaders.

However, Arsenal quickly took control of the tie despite manager Mikel Arteta making 10 changes to the team that played out a 0–0 draw with Liverpool on Thursday.

The Gunners responded strongly and went on to score four goals to end Portsmouth’s resistance and seal a convincing victory.

Attention after the match also focused on Martinelli following an incident involving Liverpool’s Conor Bradley.

The Brazilian winger was criticised for attempting to push Bradley off the pitch after the Northern Irishman went down with what was later confirmed to be a serious knee injury.

Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that the right-back will require surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.

The Brazilian apologised to Bradley after the game and did not seem affected by the furore at Fratton Park.

Arsenal could rely on their threat from set-pieces to turn the tie around.

The Pompey lead lasted only two minutes as Christian Norgaard bundled in from close range before Martinelli flicked in the first of his three goals.

Noni Madueke missed the chance to make it 3-1 from the penalty spot when the England international fired wide.

Martinelli killed the tie off early in the second period from Gabriel Jesus’ cross before completing his hat-trick from another Arsenal corner.

Darren Fletcher is looking to further his case to remain in charge of Manchester United beyond Sunday with victory over Brighton later to keep alive the Red Devils’ hopes of silverware this season.

Leeds needed a second-half fightback to beat Derby County 3-1 and book their place in the fourth round.

The Premier League side have lost just once in their last nine games to pull clear of the relegation zone.

But they were headed for defeat at half-time to second-tier Derby after Chilean international Ben Brereton Diaz drilled a strike into the bottom corner.

Joel Piroe had seen a penalty saved by Jacob Zetterstrom before Leeds fell behind, but the Dutch striker redeemed himself by playing a part in the comeback.

Jaka Bijol played the ball into the area, and Piroe’s neat step-over allowed Willy Gnonto to smash home a 55th-minute equaliser.

Just four minutes later, Piroe’s low shot was parried by Zetterstrom, and Ao Tanaka slotted in the rebound.

The visitors made sure of victory in stoppage time when James Justin rounded off a slick counter-attack.

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