Premier League giants Arsenal secured progress into the quarterfinals of this season’s edition of the FA Cup after successfully overcoming the challenge of a visit to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth. The Pompey were coming into this fixture on the back of an unbeaten campaign in the league at home, but the Arsenal attackers ended up having too much quality. Goals from centre-half Sokratis and striker Eddie Nketiah ensured that Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t bow out of two competitions within the space of a week.
Arsenal Players Rated In Victory Vs Portsmouth
Emiliano Martinez – 6.5
The second-choice shot-stopper had a reasonably comfortable night against the Portsmouth attack that created just a single shot on target in the whole tie. Looked confident from set-pieces too.
Sokratis – 7
The Greek international centre-half was deployed down the right flank tonight, and despite some shaky moments in the opening minutes, he popped up with the vital opener in first-half stoppage time.
David Luiz – 7
The Brazilian looked confident in the heart of the defence, moving into the midfield area and picking out his standard long diagonals. Made one promising run into the box in the first half as well.
Pablo Mari – 7.5
The Spaniard’s Arsenal debut couldn’t have come during a better fixture, as the Gunners utterly dominated the second half. Never looked shaky and made some good tackles through the ninety.
Bukayo Saka – 6.5
The young speedster got forward with his usual energy and desire but just couldn’t find the final ball on the night. Worked extremely hard tracking Portsmouth runners in the first half.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5
The Frenchman linked up play well in the middle of the park, but never really looked like being able to create anything of quality in the final third. Did move the ball around effectively though.
Lucas Torreira – NA
The Uruguayan picked up what looked like a painful injury after a strong challenge by James Bolton. Had to be stretchered off and was replaced by Daniel Ceballos within the opening quarter of the game.
Reiss Nelson – 8
The youngster started the game looking a bit off the pace, but kept at it and got his just reward. Delivered a brilliant ball in for the Arsenal opener and played a big part in the second.
Joe Willock – 6
Another of the prodigious Arsenal youngsters, Willock was probably the one that struggled the most against this Portsmouth side. Wasn’t able to create anything meaningful in the final third.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Made some excellent runs and looks sharp in the second half once Arsenal took control of proceedings. Didn’t have it quite so easy in the first period though as he looked a tad careless in possession.
Eddie Nketiah – 7
Showed good awareness to tap home his goal on the night, but didn’t have too much else going for him. Made some good turns and linked up well with the likes of Martinelli in the second period.
Substitutes
Daniel Ceballos – 7
The Spaniard was thrown on in the first half and did well to keep the Arsenal attacks ticking. Moved it around with confidence and provided Saka with the required cover to get forward.
Granit Xhaka – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
