MARTINELLI SHINES WITH HAT-TRICK AS ARSENAL DEFEAT PORTSMOUTH IN FA CUP

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Championship side briefly dreamed of an upset against the Premier League leaders after Colby Bishop gave them an early lead in just the third minute.

The Championship side looked set for a shock against the Premier League leaders when Colby Bishop put them ahead after just three minutes.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made 10 changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Liverpool on Thursday.

Martinelli faced heavy criticism for attempting to push Bradley off the pitch in the closing stages after the Northern Irish defender went down with a serious knee injury.

Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that the right-back will need surgery and is set to miss the remainder of the season.

The Brazilian player apologised to Bradley after the match and appeared unfazed by the controversy at Fratton Park.

Arsenal capitalised on their set-piece threat to turn the tie in their favour.

The Pompey lead lasted just two minutes as Christian Nørgaard equalised with a close-range finish, before Martinelli converted the first of his three goals.

Noni Madueke missed a chance to restore Portsmouth’s lead from the penalty spot, firing wide.

Martinelli put the tie beyond doubt early in the second half with a finish from Gabriel Jesus’ cross, before completing his hat-trick from another Arsenal corner.

Darren Fletcher will look to strengthen his case to remain in charge of Manchester United beyond Sunday as he seeks victory over Brighton to keep the Red Devils’ hopes of silverware alive this season.

Leeds United required a second-half comeback to overcome Derby County 3-1 and secure a place in the fourth round.

The Premier League side, who have lost just once in their last nine matches, are pulling clear of the relegation zone. However, they trailed at half-time to Championship side Derby after Chilean international Ben Brereton Díaz drilled a strike into the bottom corner.

Leeds’ Dutch striker Joel Piroe had seen a penalty saved by Jacob Zetterström earlier, but he played a key role in the turnaround. Jaka Bijol delivered the ball into the area, and Piroe’s deft step-over set up Willy Gnonto to smash home an equaliser in the 55th minute.

Just four minutes later, Piroe’s low shot was parried by Zetterström, allowing Ao Tanaka to slot in the rebound.

The visitors sealed the victory in stoppage time when James Justin finished off a slick counter-attack.