Match Analysis: Arsenal’s Performance in FA Cup Opener

**Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):**
In his return as Arsenal’s goalkeeper for domestic cup competitions, the Spaniard will be disappointed with his involvement in Portsmouth’s opener, where he palmed the ball directly into Bishop’s path. Nevertheless, he managed to recover from this error, making four additional saves as the hosts failed to capitalize on their opportunities.

**Ben White (7/10):**
In his first appearance of 2026, the defender believed he had set up Martinelli for an equalizer, only for his teammate to hit the post from close range. He later made a vital block to thwart Portsmouth’s Chaplin early in the second half.

**Christian Norgaard (6/10):**
Playing as an emergency centre-back, the Dane struggled to track Bishop on two occasions which allowed Portsmouth to take an early lead. However, he contributed significantly to Arsenal’s equalizer just five minutes later, even though he was not credited with the goal.

**Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10):**
Though the Gunners’ defensive linchpin maintained composure throughout the match, he surprisingly won only 13 percent (1/8) of his aerial duels.

**Myles Lewis-Skelly (7/10):**
Stepping in for the injured Piero Hincapie at left-back, the England international demonstrated keen instincts by initiating a quick free-kick to Jesus, who assisted Martinelli for Arsenal’s third goal.

**Ethan Nwaneri (5/10):**
In his first start since early November, the midfielder, making his FA Cup debut, was unable to make a significant impact, failing to create a single chance in nearly 70 minutes on the pitch.

**Mikel Merino (8/10):**
Often deployed as a striker this season, the stand-in captain excelled in a midfield role on the south coast, particularly with his deep passing.

**Eberechi Eze (6/10):**
Returning to the FA Cup for the first time since scoring the winning goal in last season’s final, the midfielder provided the corner that led to Arsenal’s equalizer, though his overall performance was subdued.

**Noni Madueke (7/10):**
The winger had a mixed performance, losing possession prior to Portsmouth’s opener but redeeming himself with an assist for Arsenal’s second goal. He won a first-half penalty after a swift run but failed to convert. The 23-year-old later provided a second assist by setting up Martinelli with an excellent in-swinging corner.

**Gabriel Jesus (7/10):**
Eager to build on his recent league goal against Aston Villa, the striker was more active after halftime, notching an assist for Martinelli’s second with a well-placed cross.

**Gabriel Martinelli (9/10):**
After an impressive performance against Liverpool, the forward scored the opening goal by heading in from close range after 25 minutes. Despite a missed opportunity to net another in the first half, he scored again following Jesus’ cross before completing his hat-trick with a late header from a corner.

**Kai Havertz (6/10):**
Making his long-awaited return from injury, the forward occupied intelligent positions as Arsenal dominated in the second half.

**Jurrien Timber (6/10):**
Replacing White at right-back, the former Ajax player was flawless, completing 100 percent of his attempted passes.

**Martin Odegaard (6/10):**
Alongside Timber and Havertz, the midfielder exhibited calmness on the ball, ensuring Portsmouth were completely shut out during the final 20 minutes of play.

**Marli Salmon (N/A):**
Introduced in the dying moments of the match, the 16-year-old had limited time to make an impact, but it was still a memorable moment for him.

**Martin Zubimendi (N/A):**
Came on as a late substitute for Arsenal.

**Mikel Arteta (7/10):**
The Arsenal manager made ten changes to the lineup that drew with Liverpool midweek. He will be pleased with the performances from the impressive duo White and Martinelli, but equally disappointed with the lackluster displays from Nwaneri and Eze in midfield.