Pompey Talk: January transfer window update
Pompey’s set-piece frailties sabotaged their chances of pulling off a huge FA Cup upset Arsenal.
Colby Bishop stunned the Premier League leaders before John Mousinho’s men succumbed to a 4-1 defeat - with three of the goals coming from Gunners corners.
Gabriel Martinelli helped himself to a hat-trick with Andre Dozzell’s own goal cancelling out Bishop’s third-minute opener, as the roof was lifted off Fratton Park.
Pompey gave a good account of themselves in general play, but the manner in which Mikel Arteta’s side made the most of their set-piece dominance was shocking for the Fratton Faithful to witness.
And two new names were added to the Blues' injury list in concerning fashion, with both Harvey Blair and Franco Umeh forced off with what appeared to be hamstring injuries.
It proved a frantic first half of action, with a relentless pace set by both sides.
It took just three minutes for Bishop to lift the roof at Fratton, as Pompey stunned the Londoners.
It was Harvey Blair who provided the cross for Conor Chaplin to fire at goal. His drive was parried by Kepa Arrizbalaga, but Bishop was on hand to snaffle away the loose ball.
The lead lasted just five minutes, however, with a touch of fortune to Arsenal’s reply as Eberechi Eze’s corner was met by Christian Norgaard. Luke Le Roux looked to have got the ball away but his clearance hit Andre Dozzell and went into the net.
Bishop’s header was then held by Kepa before Blair’s drive was deflected just wide, as Pompey more than held their own against Arteta’s men.
Adrian Segecic saw his shot blocked before Regan Poole put in a cracking challenge to deny Gabriel Martinelli at the other end.
The Brazilian then inexplicably hit the post in jaw-dropping fashion in a huge let-off for Pompey.
It proved a temporary reprieve, however, as the same man then nodded home Noni Madueke’s corner, as Pompey shot themselves from a corner once again.
Conor Shaughnessy produced a fine block to deny Madueke in the box, as he fired at goal in the 38th minute.
Pompey were then forced into a change as the lively Blair went down injured and was replaced by Franco Umeh.
Arsenal then had a huge opportunity for a third two minutes before the break, as referee Tony Harrington pointed to the spot, as Zak Swanson went in on Madueke. The England man made a hash of his spot-kick, however, as he rolled the ball past the post to Josef Bursik’s left.
Pompey continued to create openings after the restart, with Adrian Segecic’s drive blocked from Chaplin’s corner four minutes after the restart.
The Blues were punished 60 seconds later, as they switched off from a disputed free-kick as Swanson was penalised. Jesus was afforded acres of space on the right to cross, with Martinelli tapping in.
The 3-1 scoreline became 4-1 with 18 minutes left, as Pompey were embarrassingly undone from a corner again - Martinelli again nodding home Madueke’s corner at the near post.
Mousinho’s side refused to be discouraged from pushing forward after the setback, however, with Kepa saving from Devlin before John Swift drove as shot just side from the edge of the box.
.And the Fratton Faithful carried their team home across the game's finale, with the players applauded off at the final whistle.
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