Arsenal qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after Eddie Nketiah and Sokratis slotted the ball past Portsmouth goalkeeper to ensure the safe passage for Gunners in the cup competition. Arsenal cam to the match after heart-breaking defeat to Olympiacos in the Round of 32 stages of Europa League on the basis of away goal.
Arsenal’s newly appointed coach, Mikel Arteta made a huge gamble of playing six players of age 20 or below. However, the decision didn’t back for the North London outfit as two moments of flashes were enough to guide the team for the victory. Even in the stoppage time, the players of Arsenal were running back and forth to win the ball back and were charging with a high tempo.
Portsmouth started chasing the ball and began with a high tempo from the word go. However, Arsenal didn’t bog down due to pressure and weathered the early storm. However, Lucas Torreira was taken off the pitch and substituted before the half an hour mark because of horrendous tackle on him by the League One side.
Following the crunching tackle on the itch, Matteo Guendozi made the same error and got booked for the foul. However, the calm and composed finish by Sokratis in the added time of the first half eased the nerves for the Gunners. At the half time, Arsenal led the home side by a score of 1-0.
π₯ Papa-power! πͺ
π #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/Uog3bVfPXY
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 2, 2020
Though a goal down, the team was supported on a higher voice by the fans. From all the corners of the pitch, there were chants like “We’re our way back” though didn’t test the Arsenal goalkeeper a lot.
Reiss Nelson once again played a role in the second goal of the game when he left his marker for dead and allowed Eddie Nketiah to score a goal near the near post. Portsmouth manager tried all the things through substitutions but he couldn’t find the way ahead. However, Portsmouth will be happy with its fight against the Premier League side.
π The call went out… and Eddie answered again
π @EddieNketiah9 pic.twitter.com/7sTKQsXv9Y
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 2, 2020
Portsmouth are looking for a promotion after eight years to the Championship whereas Arsenal is looking for a European football? Who will reach their target? Voice your opinion below.
Score: Arsenal 2- Portsmouth 0
Goalscorers: Sokratis(45′), Eddie Nketiah( 51′)
Into the draw for the next round! πͺ
π΅ 0-2 π‘ (FT)
π #EmiratesFACup
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 2, 2020