Portsmouth vs Arsenal
0-2
Arsenal’s youngsters saw the Gunners through to the quarter finals of the FA Cup on Monday night as they beat a Portsmouth side who are more focused on their push for promotion to the Championship.
A lacklustre start from the visitors saw Portsmouth take the initiative and create some half chances, one of which happened in the 2nd minute when a looping back post cross was headed back across goal only for Martinez to get a vital hand on it to prevent an easy finish for Evans. Then in the 16th minute a heavy but fair tackle on Torreira saw the Uruguayan taken off on a stretcher with Dani Ceballos on to replace. Chances were limited for Arsenal, however some quick feet down the right from Nelson saw him skip around his marker and fire in a cross which was met by the head of Martinelli which went over. The pressure continued to build for the away side in the losing exchanges of the first half, in the added time a corner from Nelson was cleared, but cleveres recycled back to him by Ceballos, giving the Englishman another opportunity to whip in a cross. It was fizzed in at a nice height with Sokratis meeting the ball on the volley to thump home the opener, a finish every striker would be proud of. Going into halftime Arsenal found themselves one goal to the good.
Arteta’s side started the second half much in the same vein as the ended the first, on the front foot with Nelson bombing it down the wing in the 50th minute and picking out the ever lively Nketiah, which he finished high into the roof of the net to put Arsenal 0-2 up. In cruise control, the Gunners took their foot of the gas, just keeping the ball away from Portsmouth to try and get a response. Both sides looked content with this as Kenny Jackett’s side sat in to avoid any more punishment ahead of their crucial league fixture at the weekend. The best chance of half was fashioned by Saka, twisting and turning his marker to create the space to get a shot off which Bass was just able to tip over the bar. An extremely comfortable second half saw Arsenal advance to the quarter finals of the FA Cup, beating Portsmouth 0-2 on the night.
Player Ratings
Emilio Martinez
Did well to claw away the header in the 2nd minute. Didn’t have a lot to do after this but everything he did was well executed. 7/10
Sokratis
Good Performance considering be was out of position. Brillant finish to put us 0-1 up and defended well throughout. Used his experience against a quick winger. 8/10
Pablo Mari
Very accomplished debut. Commanding in the air, very physical with an excellent range of passing. Was nice to have a left footed centre-back opening out the play instead of coming back inside on their right foot. 7.5/10
David Luiz
Started off a bit shaky as he let his man get around him far to easily, but after this he was solid. Brought the ball into midfield to start attacks well. 7/10
Bukayo Saka
Another good game, worked hard up and down the left. Didn’t look as effective as normal due to Xhaka not being there to drop in for him, however almost scored a beauty. 7/10
Lucas Torriera
Started brightly, unfortunate to go off with an injury. Hopefully it isn’t as serious as it looked and he recovers quickly. 6/10
Matteo Guendouzi
Showed his ability throughout, controlled the tempo with Ceballos beside him. Made some good tackles and passes to build attacks. 7/10
Joe Willock
Drove us up the pitch with some good runs, however needs to be more consistent. His final ball isn’t at the required level to play in the 10, see him more of a box to box number 8. 6/10
Reiss Nelson
Very lively all game, had the beating of his marker. Two good assists and probably his best performance of the season. My MOTM. 8/10
Gabriel Martinelli
Provided us a good outlet down the left and caused problems for their defence. Could have scored with Nelson cross if he met it with better timing. 7/10
Eddie Nketiah
His movement was excellent, dropping in to pick up the ball then spinning in behind. Took his chance well to make it 3 in 6 since coming back, should be starting in the league. 7.5/10
Subs
Dani Ceballos
Took the game by the scruff of the neck when he came on. Was a class above any other midfielder on the pitch, made some nice passes to carve Portsmouth open. 7.5/10
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James Humphreys
Gunners Daily 