Gabriel Martinelli Shines with Hat-Trick in FA Cup Victory

Gabriel Martinelli’s recent hat-trick against Portsmouth marks a significant milestone in his career, being his first at the professional level.

The Arsenal winger had faced backlash for his controversial actions during the closing moments of Arsenal’s goalless draw with Liverpool, where he attempted to push the injured Conor Bradley off the pitch. Following the incident, Martinelli issued an apology via social media.

However, his remarkable performance in the FA Cup, where Arsenal overcame a deficit to defeat Championship side Portsmouth and advance to the fourth round, demonstrated considerable character, as noted by his manager, Mikel Arteta.

“It’s part of football, and how you respond matters,” Arteta commented when asked about Martinelli’s recent challenges. “He understands the reasons behind his actions.”

Arteta further commended Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, for his thoughtful remarks regarding the incident, emphasizing that Martinelli had no intention of causing harm. “Arne Slot spoke excellently after the match, highlighting the situation without malice, and that shows true character. The best part of football is how we communicate on the pitch.”

Despite a mixed season characterized by a loss of form and confidence that led to his replacement in the starting lineup by Leandro Trossard, Martinelli has remained a crucial asset for Arsenal. He has showcased his skills in the Champions League, netting five goals across five matches, and following his hat-trick against Portsmouth, he now stands as the team’s leading scorer.

“Playing for a top club requires a strong personality because challenges arise—be it a missed opportunity or a costly mistake,” Arteta added. “In just three days, there’s another match. You must recover and seize the moment. I admire Gabi’s attitude; regardless of the circumstances, he consistently performs. Today, he scored three goals, and I’m confident he will train with the same intensity tomorrow. That’s who Gabi is.”

This hat-trick was notable not only for its significance to Martinelli personally but also historically, as it marked the first by an Arsenal player in the FA Cup since Theo Walcott achieved the feat against Southampton in January 2017. It was also Martinelli’s first hat-trick in 249 appearances for the Gunners and his first time surpassing two goals in a match in over a year.

Arteta expressed little surprise at Martinelli’s ability to score twice with his head, despite his reputation for not being particularly strong in aerial duels. “His timing in the box is exceptional,” he remarked.

Arsenal has become recognized for their effectiveness at set-pieces under the guidance of coach Nicolas Jover, having scored 17 goals from corners across all competitions this season, the highest in the Premier League.

Scoring three goals in a single match is a rare achievement for the Gunners; this was the first occurrence since May 2022 against Everton.

The match against Portsmouth was just the beginning of a challenging stretch for Arsenal, with four away games in different competitions ahead, including fixtures in the Carabao Cup, Premier League, and Champions League.

Determined to break their trophy drought since winning the FA Cup under Arteta in 2020—where they notably defeated Portsmouth on their journey—Arsenal currently lead both the Premier League and Champions League tables, having secured victory in nine of their ten cup matches this season, including all five away games, with one draw.