Arsenal made the FA Cup quarter-finals for the fifth time in seven years on Monday, as they beat Portsmouth 2-0 at Fratton Park on Monday night.
The first half saw Portsmouth at their liveliest and Arsenal at their most lethargic, the Premier League side being outplayed by the side 37 places below them in the English football pyramid.
The Gunners doubled their lead six minutes into the second half, taking control of the tie at Fratton Park. Nelson whipped the ball into the box again, and as it dropped nicely Eddie Nketiah was there to smash it home from point-blank range.
PORTSMOUTH
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Bass (6); McCrodie (6), Bolton (6), Burgess (5), Seddon (6); Close (6), McGeehan (6); Williams (6*), Evans (5), Harness (6); Harrison (5).
Substitutes: Marquis (6), Curtis (6), Cannon (5).
STAR MAN – Any creativity or hope of a goal for Portsmouth came from Ryan Williams on the wing. He created the best chances for Pompey and was involved in every attack, having a meaningful impact on the game despite not helping the hosts get on the scoresheet.
ARSENAL
Key Talking Point
Just four days after their embarrassing Europa League exit to Olympiacos, Arsenal had a point to prove on the south coast.
An early injury to Lucas Torreira hampered the Gunners’ flow, but that was no excuse for a lacklustre and ineffective first half. Arsenal barely lay a hand on their hosts and were playing with no real urgency, yet they won the battle of focus to take the lead moments before half-time.
That goal gave them breathing space, and Nketiah doubled their lead after the break to put the Gunners in cruise control. They were far better in the second half, neutralising Portsmouth with an organised defensive display and full of life going forward with their young vibrant attackers.
Monday’s win in the FA Cup was vital for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have had a nightmare few days. Arsenal deservedly march on to the quarter-finals with a convincing display, and given their league position and European exit, it remains their only opportunity for success.
Starting XI: Martinez (6); Sokratis (7), Mari (6), Luiz (6), Saka (6); Torreira (N/A), Guendouzi (6); Nelson (7*), Willock (6), Martinelli (7); Nketiah (7).
Substitutes: Ceballos (6), Xhaka (N/A), Maitland-Niles (N/A).
STAR MAN – Reiss Nelson was explosive all night long, and had a key helping hand in both goals. He delivered excellent crosses for both goals and was a threat throughout the entire game, as he helped set up both of Arsenal’s goals and caused Pompey problems with his pace and flair.
Looking Ahead
Portsmouth are back in League One action, as they continue their promotion pursuit with a trip to Peterborough on Saturday. Pompey return to Fratton Park on 10 March, when they host promotion chasing Fleetwood Town.
Arsenal have a London derby back at the Emirates, welcoming West Ham to north London on Saturday. The Gunners are then back on the south coast the following week, as they travel to Brighton on 14 March.