Pompey boss John Mousinho's post-Charlton interview
Pompey have been handed a huge tie against Premier League leaders Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup.
Former Pompey striker Peter Crouch has shared a warning to Arsenal ahead of their trip to Fratton Park next month.
The Gunners, who were the highest seed in the competition, will visit the south coast for the first time in six years in the new year, with fixtures set to take place on the weekend of January 10th.
Pompey fell to a 2-0 defeat at PO4 against the top-flight giants in March 2020, with Kenny Jackett’s men bowing out at the fifth-round stage.
Crouch knows all too well the challenges which face Arsenal in next month’s meeting, with the former Blues striker enjoying two successful stints at Fratton Park.
The 42-cap England international netted 34 goals in 84 outings during his time at PO4, establishing himself as a firm fan favourite.
Peter Crouch explains what Arsenal can expect ahead of Pompey trip
Although his former side occupy a place in the Championship relegation zone, the 44-year-old believes the Blues can cause the Gunners problems with the atmosphere created at Fratton.
When asked what Arsenal can expect when they make the trip to the south coast, Crouch told TNT Sports: ‘Honestly, the atmosphere there is unbelievable.
‘They’ve got a good history in the Cup with Harry (Redknapp), won it and done really, really well.
‘Of course, the atmosphere there is going to be white hot.’
Mikel Arteta on previous Pompey meeting
Pompey v Arsenal March 2020.placeholder image
Pompey v Arsenal March 2020. | PinPep Media / Joe Pepler
It’s the second time under Arteta’s reign at the Emirates Stadium that Arsenal will come up against Pompey in the FA Cup.
The Gunners survived a potential cup upset at PO4 in March 2020, despite naming a much-changed side.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Eddie Nketiah netted either side of half-time to book a spot in the quarter finals, with the Premier League outfit going on to lift the trophy at the end of the Covid-19-affected campaign.
Speaking after his side’s 2-0 triumph in 2020, Arteta was already well aware of the incredible atmosphere created at Fratton Park.
He said at the time: ‘It's a difficult place to come but I have faith in these kids. They always respond and I always knew they would do that.
‘They have to learn from the difficult moments and manage them but they have the talent and desire and look how hard they work.
‘I'm really enjoying working with this group of players,. It's a process. I know everything has to be today or yesterday but in football it doesn't happen like this. I'm seeing a lot of things I'm happy with but there is a lot of room to improve.’
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