### Arsenal's FA Cup Triumph: Martinelli's Hat-Trick Shines Amid Controversy On January 11, 2026, Arsenal faced Portsmouth in the FA Cup, where they secured a decisive 4-1 victory. Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the star of the match, scoring a hat trick that not only propelled his team into the fourth round but also helped him silence critics following a controversial incident involving Liverpool's Conor Bradley just days prior. Arsenal's performance showcased their resilience, overcoming an early setback to dominate the match at Fratton Park. ### Breakdown of the Match and Key Events 1. **Match Overview** - Arsenal advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win over Portsmouth. - Gabriel Martinelli scored three goals, marking his first hat trick for the club [https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2026-01-11-martinelli-hat-trick-sends-arsenal-past-portsmouth-in-fa-cup]. 2. **Early Setback** - Portsmouth took an unexpected lead with a goal from Colby Bishop just three minutes into the match [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-portsmouth-gabriel-martinelli-goals-36533886]. - Arsenal quickly equalized through an own goal by Andre Dozzell, followed by Martinelli's first goal, putting them ahead 2-1 [https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13492591/portsmouth-1-4-arsenal-gabriel-martinelli-responds-to-recent-criticism-by-scoring-fa-cup-third-round-hat-trick]. 3. **Martinelli's Response to Criticism** - The match was particularly significant for Martinelli, who had faced backlash for a controversial incident involving Conor Bradley during a previous match against Liverpool [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-09/martinelli-disgraceful-act-towards-injured-liverpool-player/106213400]. - His hat trick served as a powerful response to his critics, showcasing his skill and determination on the pitch [https://elanzanews.ng/martinellis-hat-trick-fires-arsenal-past-portsmouth-in-fa-cup]. 4. **Match Statistics** - Arsenal dominated possession and created numerous chances, reflecting their attacking prowess. - Noni Madueke missed a penalty, but Martinelli's two second-half goals sealed the victory [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/gabriel_martinellis_hat_trick_seals_fa_cup_winover_portsmouth/s1_15968_43316730]. ### Summary of Findings **Arsenal's Performance:** - Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Portsmouth highlighted their strength in the FA Cup, with Martinelli's hat trick being a standout performance that overshadowed recent controversies. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Arsenal's ability to recover from an early goal demonstrates their resilience and depth as a team. 2. Martinelli's hat trick not only secured the win but also helped him regain favor with fans and critics alike. 3. The match serves as a reminder of Arsenal's historical strength in knockout competitions, reinforcing their status as Premier League leaders [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6949093/2026/01/11/arsenal-martinelli-havertz-fa-cup]. In conclusion, Arsenal's commanding performance against Portsmouth, led by Martinelli's exceptional display, sets a positive tone for their FA Cup campaign and addresses the recent scrutiny faced by the young forward.