Two Shots in 11 Touches: Arsenal Star Sent Mikel Arteta Clear Message vs Portsmouth

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal picked up a resounding 4-1 victory over Championship side Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s first-ever senior hat-trick, but it also marked the return of Kai Havertz, who played his first minutes in Gunners colours for the first time since August.

The away contingent at Fratton Park stood and applauded the German, who has been out since their Premier League curtain-raiser against Manchester United with a knee injury, as he replaced Gabriel Jesus at the sharp end of the pitch in the 69th minute.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: In May 2020, while on the books of Bayer Leverkusen, Kai Havertz became the first Bundesliga player to score 35 goals before turning 21.

Straight away, given the concerns over Viktor Gyokeres’ ability to adapt to English top flight football, Havertz proved why so many Arsenal fans have been ruing for his return to the grass. Arteta and his staff now have a potentially season-defining decision to make and fans have made their feelings very clear.

Is it Time to Drop Gyokeres and Start Havertz Up Top?



Simply, yes. Gyokeres – signed in the summer from Sporting CP – has struggled to hit the ground running in north London, plundering seven goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. Five of those (against Leeds United, Burnley and Everton) have come in the Premier League.

The Swede’s torrid run of form has been highlighted by The Telegraph, who have analysed the performance levels of all 33 strikers to have played at least 500 minutes in the Premier League. He ranks 33rd for possession loss rate, 31st for passes completed, 30th for duel success and 28th for aerial duels won. Havertz provides much, much more.

Energetic from the off, Havertz enjoyed 11 touches – five of those coming inside the Portsmouth 18-yard box – and took two shots, proving that he is able to threaten in the final third, an aspect that Gyokeres is yet to master on a consistent basis.

The 26-year-old, who has played 89 times for Arsenal since his move in the summer of 2023, also won 100% of his aerial duels in the short time he was on the pitch.

Not only did he fare well from a statistical point of view, but he also passed the eye test. A brilliant runner, Havertz was willing to press Pompey’s backline and his off-ball movement opened up space and opportunities for those around him.

Moving forwards, it would be wise for Arteta to start the one-time Champions League winner ahead of Gyokeres and Jesus – only, of course, when he is back to full fitness.

Kai Havertz – Arsenal Statistics

Signed

From Chelsea in July 2023

Cost

£65 million

Matches

89

Goals

29

Assists

13

Cost per Goal Involvement

£1.55 million

Arsenal, who have finished second in back-to-back-to-back campaigns, will require Havertz’s firepower and clever movement in the remaining months of the season and so easing him back into proceedings would be wise.

As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder and that is exactly the case between the Emirates Stadium faithful and their returning forward, who is one of the highest-paid Premier League players with him earning £280,000 in the capital. On the Germany international, Arteta said in his full-time interview with TNT Sports:

“His awareness, when he needs to move. Where he needs to move. We miss him big time. It’s a pleasure to watch him.”

Kai Havertz Returns: How Have Arsenal Fans Reacted to his Performance?



As mentioned, those inside the stadium showed their love and adoration for the ex-Chelsea man when he entered the fray with 21 minutes left of regulation time – and the response online has been awfully similar. After his instant impact (a key pass), one wrote: “Kai Havertz chance created with his second touch already.”

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“KAI HAVERTZ KEY PASS 3 MINUTES IN,” another wrote before one suggested that Havertz could play in the pocket behind Gyokeres moving forward. They commented: “That pass from Kai Havertz… Now imagine he is playing behind Gyokeres… Wow a partnership.”

Others, however, believe that he offers much more than the Swede. “Just look at how Kai Havertz plays. He has had more touches already than Gyokeres in the last game,” they wrote.

“Kai Havertz has just done something within 2 minutes of being on after being out for 5 months that Viktor Gyokeres just hasn’t got in his locker.”

“Ahhhh man, Kai Havertz welcomed back already. Transformed how we look offensively in seconds. Class act,” a sixth supporter of Arsenal added, as another wrote: “Ladies and gentlemen, Kai Havertz is backkkkk. Did you see the pass to Madueke?” A final fan kept it short and sweet by saying: “Kai Havertz has changed my life.”

Arsenal got the better of Portsmouth FC in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, registering a 4-1 away win.

The Gunners didn’t have the best start in the FA Cup fixture as Portsmouth took an early lead on home soil, thanks to a goal by Colby Bishop. Arsenal bounced back quickly, putting pressure on the Portsmouth defence. Ultimately, a defensive error by Andre Dozzell brought Arsenal back into the game.

After equalising with the own goal, Gabriel Martinelli increased the lead for the visiting side before the first-half whistle. At the break, the Arsenal vs Portsmouth score remained 2-0 in favour of the Premier League leaders.

Arsenal kicked off the second half on a dominant note, and Martinelli once again struck to establish their dominance in the away FA Cup match. Despite his brace, the Brazilian forward was in no mood to settle down. In the 72nd minute, Martinelli completed his hat-trick in the FA Cup third-round game against Portsmouth FC.

Nothing much happened for the rest of the game as Arsenal secured a comfortable victory, beating Portsmouth FC 4-1 away from home. Here are Sportsdunia’s Portsmouth vs Arsenal Player Ratings from the FA Cup fixture.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Portsmouth

Let’s take a look at Arsenal player ratings from Arsenal vs Portsmouth game:

Goalkeeper

Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7.0: Made a crucial save in the opening minutes to deny Chaplin, a moment that proved vital. He was composed and reliable throughout, dealing with everything that came his way. His distribution was good, and he commanded his box well. A solid performance between the sticks.

Defenders

Ben White – 6.5: A typically steady performance from the right-back. He defended well for the most part but did pick up a needless yellow card for a clumsy foul. He supported the attack when possible before being substituted. A job well done, if unspectacular.

Gabriel Magalhães – 6.0: We were a bit surprised by his performance. He seemed to struggle with the physicality of Colby Bishop, losing a surprising number of aerial duels. He wasn’t his usual dominant self and looked a little off the pace. A rare average day for the Brazilian.

Christian Nørgaard – 7.0: A composed and intelligent display at the heart of the defence. He read the game beautifully, making important interceptions and clearances. His passing from the back was crisp and accurate, helping Arsenal build from deep. Looked very comfortable.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6.5: The youngster did not look out of place. He got a yellow card for a cynical foul, but otherwise, he was composed and assured in his defensive duties. He was tidy in possession and showed a maturity beyond his years. A promising display for the future.

Midfielders

Eberechi Eze – 7.0: He was the metronome in Arsenal’s midfield. Everything flowed through him. He kept possession effortlessly, always seeming to have time on the ball. He didn’t create many clear-cut chances, but his control and tempo-setting were vital to Arsenal’s dominance.

Ethan Nwaneri – 6.5: Another young player who impressed us. He worked tirelessly in the midfield engine room, winning tackles and recovering the ball. He showed good technical ability and was not afraid to get stuck in. A very encouraging performance from the academy product.

Mikel Merino – 8.0: The captain led by example. He was an absolute machine in midfield, covering every blade of grass. He made a remarkable 8 ball recoveries and broke up numerous Portsmouth attacks. His leadership and energy were infectious, driving his team on from the first minute to the last.

Forwards

Gabriel Martinelli – 10: Simply sensational. The undisputed Man of the Match. His movement, his finishing, his hunger – it was all world-class. He scored a poacher’s hat-trick, always in the right place at the right time. He was a nightmare for the Portsmouth defence all game. A truly special, highest-rated player performance.

Gabriel Jesus – 7.0: While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his contribution was significant. His intelligent movement created space for Martinelli and others. He linked play superbly and grabbed a well-deserved assist. He was a constant nuisance before being taken off for a rest.

Noni Madueke – 8.0: What a chaotic and brilliant performance. He provided two assists for Martinelli and won the penalty with his dazzling footwork. However, he then blazed that penalty wide. From our perspective, he was a whirlwind of activity, both good and bad, but his positive contributions far outweighed the negative. A thrilling player to watch.

Substitutes

Kai Havertz – 6.5: Came on and linked play nicely, almost getting an assist himself.

Jurriën Timber – 6.5: Slotted in seamlessly for Ben White and looked solid.

Marli Salmon – N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Martín Zubimendi – N/A: A late cameo to see out the game.

Manager

M. Arteta – 8.0: Despite rotating his squad, his team played with the same style and intensity. He didn’t panic after going a goal down, trusting his players and his system. His tactics ultimately overwhelmed Portsmouth, and he managed the game perfectly. Another comfortable cup victory for the gaffer.

Man of the Match

Sportsdunia’s player of the match goes to Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli with a 10/10 performance.

Goals and Highlight Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal in FA Cup

After the rout and a hat trick from Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal added another victory and thus remain alive in the FA Cup competition. The Reds are having a great run of form; let’s hope it continues. For now, they take the victory in this

⏱️ 90′ + 3 The match ends

The match has ended and Arsenal have added another victory to their tally in this competition. They will continue looking to add more points in the remainder of the tournament.

See you soon, thanks for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Stay tuned to VAVEL for the best coverage of your favorite teams.

⏱️ 90′

Three more minutes are added, and with all the time that was lost, the referee decides to add a few more minutes of stoppage time, which will make for a heart-stopping end to the game for both teams who want to take the victory in this great match.

⏱️ 86′

There are only four minutes of full time left in the match and both teams continue to press forward, looking to score another goal at any moment in this great game we are witnessing. Substitutions continue to be made at this point.

⏱️ 82′

The visitors are looking to score another goal and are gradually building up a dangerous attack. Just now, Christian Nørgaard attempted a through ball, but Kai Havertz was offside. The visitors look much better.

⏱️ 78′

The visiting team is looking to add to their tally as they’re playing much better at the moment. Their recent substitutions are proving very effective, and they’re giving their all to try and secure more points. Let’s hope we see more action in these final minutes.

⏱️ 74′

The home team continues to look for an opportunity to score another goal in the match and have just made more changes to their lineup as they want to have a chance in these final minutes of the game….

⚽ Arsenal’s GOOOOOOOOAAAAAL

Once again Gabriel Martinelli makes his presence felt on the scoreboard for Arsenal, as he just scored with a header from very close range through the center of the goal, assisted by Noni Madueke with a cross into the area after a corner kick.

⏱️ 70′

There are only 20 minutes left in the match and both teams are still pushing for more goals. Arsenal have just started making changes to their squad to bring fresh legs onto the field and try to add more goals to their tally.

⏱️ 66′

We’re past the 60-minute mark and the home team continues to press for the equalizer, gradually creating some good plays. Fouls are becoming increasingly frequent as both teams are determined to win and avoid defeat.

⏱️ 62′

The visiting team continues to press; both teams want more goals, but the visitors are much more clinical in front of goal. The first substitutions are being made to bring on fresh legs and try to score more goals.

⏱️ 58′

The visiting team wants to continue creating more opportunities and prevent the home team from doing so, so a moment ago Ethan Nwaneri attempted a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it was missed.

⏱️ 54′

The home side continues to press Arsenal and try to find their second goal. A moment ago, Conor Shaughnessy attempted a close-range header from a corner, but it went wide and the home side couldn’t capitalize.

⚽ Arsenal’s GOOOOOOOOAAAAAL

The visitors have already added more goals to their tally, as a moment ago Gabriel Martinelli made a great shot with his right foot from very close range, low and near the left post, assisted by Gabriel Jesus with a cross into the area after taking a free kick.

⏱️50

Portsmouth continue their efforts to equalize, as Conor Chaplin recently attempted a right-footed shot from the center of the box, but it was blocked by the visiting defense and they were unable to convert.

⏱️ 46′ The second half begins

The ball is rolling again for the next 45 minutes of the match between Portsmouth and Arsenal. We hope for a better game, more goals, and that one of these teams takes the win and adds another victory to their tally.

⏱️ 45′ + 3 Half-time

The first half of the match has ended. Both teams are giving it their all, but the visitors look much better. The home team is taking advantage of their opportunities, but they can’t finish their plays. We go into halftime with a score of 1-2. We’re witnessing a great match!

⏱️ 45′

Three more minutes are added to the match, the referee decides to give a few more minutes of added time after the actions that have occurred and time has been lost and we will have the best moments for these last minutes of the first half.

⏱️43′

Arsenal could take the lead as a penalty is awarded for a foul inside the area. The visitors have the opportunity from the penalty spot to increase their lead, but Noni Madueke misses the penalty and the score remains 1-2.

⏱️ 40′

There are only five minutes left until the end of the first half and both teams are still playing very well, the home team is playing much better and a moment ago Noni Madueke tried a shot with his left foot from the right side of the inside of the area, but it was blocked.

⏱️ 36′

There are less than 10 minutes left in the match and both teams are still trying. A few moments ago, Noni Madueke attempted a through ball, but Gabriel Jesus was in an offside position. They will gradually look to maintain their lead and create opportunities to make good plays.

⏱️ 32′

The game is very intense, both teams are playing very well, and a moment ago Gabriel Martinelli attempted a shot with his right foot from outside the area, but it was missed. The red and white team is looking for another opportunity to increase their lead.

⏱️ 28′

The rain has started, and little by little the teams are looking to create more opportunities, giving us some great moments. We’re almost at the 30-minute mark, and both teams are pressing forward. The home team is looking for the equalizer so they can go for the win.

⚽ Arsenal’s GOOOOOOOOAAAAAL

Arsenal have already turned the game around, as Gabriel Martinelli just scored a great close-range header from the right side after a corner kick, making it 1-2 for the Premier League leaders. The visitors are playing very well.

⏱️ 24′

We’re almost at the first 30 minutes of the game and the home team is still looking for a clear opportunity, as a moment ago Adrian Segecic tried a shot with his left foot from outside the area, but it was stopped by the defense

⏱️ 20′

The first twenty minutes of the match are over and everything is very even; both teams are playing very well, but the home team has more possession. Let’s hope we see another goal soon and that both teams can try to get a point in their favor soon.

⏱️ 16′

Arsenal look much better at the moment as they have more possession of the ball. A moment ago, Noni Madueke tried a through ball, but Ben White was in an offside position. The visitors are doing very well.

⏱️ 12′

We’re past the first ten minutes of the game, and fouls have been very frequent, which is disrupting the flow of play. Both teams are trying, but they can’t seem to finish their chances. They’re playing very well, but they need to stop committing so many fouls.

⚽ Arsenal’s GOOOOOOOOAAAAAL

Arsenal have already equalized very quickly, as Andre Dozzell just scored an own goal, leveling the score for the home side. Let’s hope for more goals soon and that both teams go for the win…………..

⚽ Portsmouth GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL

The first three minutes of the match and the home side already take the lead, having put Arsenal under considerable pressure. Colby Bishop unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from point-blank range on the left side, putting the home team ahead on the scoreboard.

⏱️ 0′ The match begins

This match between Portsmouth and Arsenal has started, the ball is rolling on the field and the home team kicks off to take possession in the opening moments of the match and gain a little control. Both teams want the victory and to add points in this tournament and will give their all to achieve it and add more points.

Stay tuned!

Everything’s almost ready at the stadium. Keep following the live minute-by-minute coverage on VAVEL.com to stay up-to-date on everything happening on the pitch and the final score of the Portsmouth vs. Arsenal FA Cup third-round match.

Arsenal’s Starting XI

This is Arsenal’s starting eleven for this third round. Let’s hope this starting eleven works in their favor. We expect a very intense game and that they give their all to win and add more points in this round.

Portsmouth’s starting XI

This is the starting eleven that Portsmouth has fielded for this third round. Let’s hope this starting eleven works in their favor. We expect a very intense game and that they give their all to win and add more points in this round.

They’re already familiarizing themselves with the pitch.

The players are almost ready to train before the match and are already familiarizing themselves with the pitch. Both teams will give their all in this third-round match and must do everything possible to start this third round on the right foot and try to be among the teams that continue in the competition and consolidate their position in the tournament.

What will the teams be looking for?

Both teams will be aiming for victory, as it’s crucial for both sides to continue their strong run in the tournament. They’ll be looking for a win to gradually accumulate points in these matches and solidify their position and continue competing.

The fans are already arriving!

The fans are already arriving for this great duel we have today for the third round match where both teams will give their all and seek victory. We just wait a moment longer for the match to begin and for both teams to give their best.

The Arsenal team has arrived at the stadium.

The Arsenal players have arrived at the stadium and will be giving their all to secure another victory in this third round of the FA Cup, hoping to accumulate points that will be valuable throughout the tournament.

The Portsmouth team has arrived at the stadium.

The Portsmouth team has arrived at the stadium and will be giving their all to secure another victory in this third round of the FA Cup, hoping to accumulate points that will be valuable throughout the tournament.

Fratton Park is ready