Arsenal Player Ratings: Gabriel Martinelli Shines with a Hat-Trick While Eberechi Eze Struggles to Impress

ARSENAL cruised to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup by thumping Portsmouth 4-1 away from home thanks to hat-trick hero Gabriel Martinelli.

The Gunners came from behind but put on another masterclass in corner kicks with Martinelli heading in twice and converting from a cross.

Gabriel Martinelli was the hat-trick hero against PortsmouthCredit: AFP

It gives more to smile about and even more for the Gunners to play for with their quadruple hopes still alive.

Here is how Jack Figg rated Arsenal’s players at Fratton Park.

Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6

Pushed the ball back into danger zone leading to Colby Bishop’s opener. Made a couple of smart stops to make up for the error in an otherwise quiet game for the Spaniard.

Ben White – 6

Great block after the ball fell to Conor Chaplin in the box, throwing his body in the way. Got booked for two cynical fouls on Adrian Segecic and taken off before frustrations grew.

Norgaard – 7

Bundled home Arsenal’s leveller which went down as an Andre Dozzell own goal. Slotted in at centre-half well but had a relatively quiet game.

Gabriel was solid at the backCredit: PA

Gabriel – 7

Vital flick on for Arsenal’s equaliser and another solid performance for the centre-back. Given little to do but a defensive rock nonetheless.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7

Quick-thinking to take an early free-kick leading to Arsenal’s third. Spent a lot of time drifting into Arsenal’s midfield to help push his team-mates further forward.

Mikel Merino – 7

Pushed back into his more comfortable deep-lying midfield position. Dictated play well, composed on the ball in front of the back line.

Eberechi Eze was largely anonymous in midfieldCredit: AFP

Eberechi Eze – 4

Playing centrally opposed to on the left but was largely anonymous. Lacked cutting edge, didn’t trouble the hosts too much. Failed to take his chance in the starting line-up.

Ethan Nwaneri – 6

Following a quiet first half, sparked into life after the break, driving at defenders, linking up with Madueke. No surprise to see him come off though.

Noni Madueke – 8

Superb deliveries for Martinelli’s goals. Good battle down Arsenal’s right, getting the better of Zak Swanson to win the penalty that he dragged wide. The type of inconsistency that has followed his career.

Noni Madueke missed from the penalty spotCredit: Reuters

Gabriel Martinelli – 9

Excellent from the Brazilian. Two sublime headers and an excellent finish from Jesus’ cross. Only blemish was missing a sitter in the first-half. But he more than made up for it.

Jesus – 6

Sublime cross to provide for Martinelli’s second goal in what was an otherwise quiet afternoon for the Brazilian forward who is still finding his feet since returning.

SUBS

Kai Havertz (for Jesus on 68 minutes) – 6

Returning for the first time since the opening day, linked up immediately with Madueke after dropping in deep.

Jurien Timber (for White on 68 minutes ) – 6

Restored a bit more composure down the right after White’s battles.

Martin Odegaard (for Nwaneri on 68 minutes ) – 6

Given the freedom to sit a little deeper and dictate the play for the last 20 minutes or so.

Marli Salmon (for Gabriel on 75 minutes) –

Came on to become Arsenal’s youngest player of all time.

Martín Zubimendi (for Martinelli on 82 minutes) –

Barely noticed he was on. In fairness, the game was well won at that point.