Arsenal and Mikel Arteta advanced to the FA Cup fourth round with a team news of convincing 4-1 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park on January 11, 2026. The early setback came when Colby Bishop scored for the hosts. However, the Gunners rallied through an own goal by Andre Dozzell and a hat-trick from Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal Flex Their Muscles
Mikel Arteta made ten changes to the lineup. This showcased squad depth amid a busy schedule of four away games in nine days across competitions. This win matches Arsenal’s best FA Cup run in five years, keeping their multi-front charge alive.
The match highlighted Arsenal’s formidable squad strength. They have a bench boasting around £360 million in transfer fees. This includes stars like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, Arteta’s rotated side. It also features Eberechi Eze, Ben White, and Noni Madueke—responded resiliently to Portsmouth’s early goal. Internationals dominated, with Martinelli’s hat-trick, Gabriel Jesus impressing, Ethan Nwaneri shining, and Kai Havertz returning as a boost. This depth positions even a second-string team for a deep FA Cup run.
👏 Mikel Arteta at Arsenal:
🔸 Took Arsenal from a joke to one of the most feared teams in the Premier League
🔸 Built one of the best defences in world football
🔸 Turned them into genuine title challengers
🔸 Elevated Saka, Saliba, Gabriel, Rice to elite levels
🔸 Restored… pic.twitter.com/h4zWKT14MN
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 12, 2026
Set-Pieces Prove Crucial Again
Arsenal team overcame a sluggish start, with news of losing 70% of duels early, by relying on their set-piece prowess. The equalizer came from a scramble leading to Dozzell’s own goal. This followed Martinelli’s headers from Madueke’s corners for the lead and hat-trick completion. Portsmouth fans ironically cheered clearances. However, Arsenal’s 22 dead-ball goals this season underscore their dominance in this area, turning the tide when fluid play faltered.
Mikel Arteta provides team news ahead of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea, confirming that Leandro Trossard and William Saliba are doubts for the match 🔴 pic.twitter.com/iHX0N3x20Y
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 13, 2026
Merino Leads from the Front
Arteta unveiled a new role for Mikel Merino, captaining the side as the deepest midfielder behind Eze and Nwaneri. Despite instincts to push forward, prompting Arteta’s shouts to reposition, Merino brought calm with a pirouette evasion, a sublime pass to Martinelli, and defensive blocks. Beyond past duties as emergency striker or box-crasher, his versatility cements his importance.
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