Gabriel Martinelli struck a superb hat-trick as Arsenal recovered from an early scare to beat Portsmouth at Fratton Park and book their place in the FA Cup fourth round.
With several giant-killings already this weekend, Arsenal briefly looked vulnerable when Colby Bishop fired the Championship side ahead after just three minutes.
However, the Gunners responded swiftly and were level within five minutes as Christian Norgaard bundled the ball home via Andre Dozzell following a familiar Arsenal corner routine.
That equaliser calmed a much-changed Arsenal side, who had made 10 alterations to their starting line-up.
They went in front midway through the first half when Martinelli glanced Noni Madueke’s corner into the net at the near post.
Madueke missed the chance to extend the lead from the penalty spot after being fouled by Zak Swanson, dragging his effort wide.
Martinelli then made amends for earlier missed chances by scoring his second, tapping in from close range after Gabriel Jesus cut the ball back following quick thinking by teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Brazilian completed his hat-trick in the second half, again from a corner, flicking the ball on from the near post to underline Arsenal’s dominance.
There was also a landmark moment late on as 16-year-old defender Marli Salmon became the youngest player ever to represent Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Martinelli’s performance was the standout on a night when Arsenal’s squad depth came to the fore.
After a mixed campaign and recent criticism, the winger delivered his first hat-trick for the club and will hope it reignites his season.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to rotate heavily was justified, with experienced figures such as captain Mikel Merino controlling the game, despite operating in an unfamiliar role.
Gabriel Magalhaes was the only survivor from the previous match, highlighting the manager’s confidence in his squad.
The return of Kai Havertz from injury added further encouragement, as Arsenal navigated the first of four successive away fixtures across different competitions.
With progress secured and key players gaining minutes, the Gunners left Fratton Park with momentum firmly on their side.
