Arsenal's English striker Eddie Nketiah (2R) celebrates scoring their second goal during the English FA Cup fifth round football match between Portsmouth and Arsenal at Fratton Park stadium in Portsmouth, southern England, on March 2, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal Vs Portsmouth: Player ratings – Reiss Nelson has arrived
(Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
On Monday, Arsenal travelled to Portsmouth in the FA Cup fifth round looking to avenge European humiliation. Here are the player ratings from the 2-0 win.
Arsenal produced a calm and composed performance to dismiss League One Portsmouth to the tune of a 2-0 scoreline, banish the embarrassment of Thursday night’s Europa League nightmare, and see their way into the FA Cup quarter-finals. Reiss Nelson was excellent, creating for Sokratis and Eddie Nketiah, while the likes of Pablo Mari, who was making his debut, David Luiz, and Matteo Guendouzi all impressed.
Listen to the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast here! — Emergency Podcast: Nightmare
Here are the player ratings from the 2-0 victory.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Emiliano Martinez of Arsenal in action during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Goalkeeper
EMILIANO MARTINEZ
GK, Arsenal6.5
Very little to do throughout the match. Collected one excellent cross in the first half and generally showed good command of his penalty area. His first start under Mikel Arteta after Bernd Leno maintained his starting role in the Europa League.
Arsenal produced a calm and composed performance to dismiss League One Portsmouth to the tune of a 2-0 scoreline, banish the embarrassment of Thursday night’s Europa League nightmare, and see their way into the FA Cup quarter-finals. Reiss Nelson was excellent, creating for Sokratis and Eddie Nketiah, while the likes of Pablo Mari, who was making his debut, David Luiz, and Matteo Guendouzi all impressed.</p>
<h2><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pain-in-the-arsenal-podcast-on-arsenal-fc/id1314514440?ign-mpt=uo%3D4%26amp%3Buo%3D4&mt=2%22>Listen to the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast here! — Emergency Podcast: Nightmare</a></h2>
<p>Here are the player ratings from<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51697793"> the 2-0 victory</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Emiliano Martinez of Arsenal in action during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Goalkeeper</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.5" data-name="EMILIANO MARTINEZ" data-meta-a="GK" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Very little to do throughout the match. Collected one excellent cross in the first half and generally showed good command of his penalty area. His first start under Mikel Arteta after Bernd Leno maintained his starting role in the Europa League."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FMartinez_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DgmaU0aQO"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">EMILIANO MARTINEZ</h3> <span class="position">GK,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Very little to do throughout the match. Collected one excellent cross in the first half and generally showed good command of his penalty area. His first start under Mikel Arteta after Bernd Leno maintained his starting role in the Europa League.</div> </div>
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<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Centre-Backs </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99481" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1209961234-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Pablo Mari of Arsenal battles for possession with Ellis Harrison of Portsmouth FC during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC at Fratton Park on March 02, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Centre-Backs</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.5" data-name="DAVID LUIZ" data-meta-a="CB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="A very strong performance from David Luiz. Made several crucial headers in the first half when Arsenal were put under more pressure, then began to dictate play from deep as the first 45 minutes progressed, including stepping into midfield at times. In the second half, he and Pablo Mari patrolled the deep areas superbly, recycled possession efficiently, and remained largely untroubled."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FDL_Website_profiles_1045x658_v2.jpg%3Fitok%3DqvVlzxz8"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DAVID LUIZ</h3> <span class="position">CB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">A very strong performance from David Luiz. Made several crucial headers in the first half when Arsenal were put under more pressure, then began to dictate play from deep as the first 45 minutes progressed, including stepping into midfield at times. In the second half, he and Pablo Mari patrolled the deep areas superbly, recycled possession efficiently, and remained largely untroubled.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.0" data-name="PABLO MARI" data-meta-a="CB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="A very encouraging debut from Pablo Mari. The Spaniard’s comfort in possession was immediately noticeable. He has an excellent left foot and is more than happy to step into midfield and instigate play from deep. Can spray passes all around the pitch, is rarely hassled by pressuring opponents, and helps progress the play and build out of the back. Had two slightly uncertain moments when dealing with bouncing balls when he should have made more certain decisions to clear or pass back to the goalkeeper, but other than that, very encouraging."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FMari_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3D_ubcvJXk"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">PABLO MARI</h3> <span class="position">CB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">A very encouraging debut from Pablo Mari. The Spaniard’s comfort in possession was immediately noticeable. He has an excellent left foot and is more than happy to step into midfield and instigate play from deep. Can spray passes all around the pitch, is rarely hassled by pressuring opponents, and helps progress the play and build out of the back. Had two slightly uncertain moments when dealing with bouncing balls when he should have made more certain decisions to clear or pass back to the goalkeeper, but other than that, very encouraging.</div> </div>
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<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Full-Backs </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC at Fratton Park on March 02, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Full-Backs</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.0" data-name="SOKRATIS " data-meta-a="RB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Definitely is not a right-back and struggles to defend in one-on-ones when there is space in behind for the attacker to drive into. Is also a problem in possession as he lacks the first touch to take the ball forwards, always looking to do the bare minimum whenever he receives possession — this makes him, and Arsenal more generally, very easy to press. That said, he did his job and scored the opener with a remarkably emphatic finish."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FSokratis_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D97aQxOIY"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">SOKRATIS </h3> <span class="position">RB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Definitely is not a right-back and struggles to defend in one-on-ones when there is space in behind for the attacker to drive into. Is also a problem in possession as he lacks the first touch to take the ball forwards, always looking to do the bare minimum whenever he receives possession — this makes him, and Arsenal more generally, very easy to press. That said, he did his job and scored the opener with a remarkably emphatic finish.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.5" data-name="BUKAYO SAKA" data-meta-a="LB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Not the scintillating performances of recent weeks and could probably do with a rest having played a lot of minutes at such a young age, but still shows what he is capable of here and there. Had three memorable drives forward in the match, two of which led to rasping efforts on goal. Was rarely troubled defensively and is tremendously calm in possession."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FSaka_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DXtzAEUrg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">BUKAYO SAKA</h3> <span class="position">LB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Not the scintillating performances of recent weeks and could probably do with a rest having played a lot of minutes at such a young age, but still shows what he is capable of here and there. Had three memorable drives forward in the match, two of which led to rasping efforts on goal. Was rarely troubled defensively and is tremendously calm in possession.</div> </div>
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<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Central Midfield </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99483" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1209961273-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Joe Willock of Arsenal battles for possession with Marcus Harness of Portsmouth FC during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC at Fratton Park on March 02, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Central Midfield</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="N/A" data-name="LUCAS TORREIRA" data-meta-a="CM" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Heartbreaking to see him go off so early with what looked like a nasty knee injury. It remains to be seen what the true damage is, but let’s hope it is not as bad as it looks."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FTorreira_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DLJn9wPWN"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">LUCAS TORREIRA</h3> <span class="position">CM,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">N/A</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Heartbreaking to see him go off so early with what looked like a nasty knee injury. It remains to be seen what the true damage is, but let’s hope it is not as bad as it looks.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.0" data-name="MATTEO GUENDOUZI" data-meta-a="CM" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Not quite a vintage Matteo Guendouzi performance, though he did receive a yellow card for sarcasm and was booed by the Portsmouth fans within the first 10 minutes. Struggled to control the match a little early on, but as the game progressed, increasingly dominated central midfield areas. Was rarely spectacular in his dribbling or passing, which he has been before, but conducted play neatly, played simply, quickly, and efficiently, everything you want a deep-lying midfielder to be."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FGuendouzi_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DluRYFlKj"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">MATTEO GUENDOUZI</h3> <span class="position">CM,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Not quite a vintage Matteo Guendouzi performance, though he did receive a yellow card for sarcasm and was booed by the Portsmouth fans within the first 10 minutes. Struggled to control the match a little early on, but as the game progressed, increasingly dominated central midfield areas. Was rarely spectacular in his dribbling or passing, which he has been before, but conducted play neatly, played simply, quickly, and efficiently, everything you want a deep-lying midfielder to be.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.5" data-name="JOE WILLOCK" data-meta-a="CM" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Was very good in the first half, if a little understated. Picked up nice pockets of space between the lines, received the ball on the half-turn, skipped past defenders with a turn of pace when he had the opportunity to, and helped move Arsenal up the pitch. End product was disappointing, though, and this continued after the break. His touch is not quite at the required level and his passing is inconsistent."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FWillock_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D7R25yfpS"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">JOE WILLOCK</h3> <span class="position">CM,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Was very good in the first half, if a little understated. Picked up nice pockets of space between the lines, received the ball on the half-turn, skipped past defenders with a turn of pace when he had the opportunity to, and helped move Arsenal up the pitch. End product was disappointing, though, and this continued after the break. His touch is not quite at the required level and his passing is inconsistent.</div> </div>
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<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Front Three </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Christian Burgess of Portsmouth FC battles for possession with Reiss Nelson of Arsenal during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC at Fratton Park on March 02, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Front Three</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="8.5" data-name="REISS NELSON" data-meta-a="RW" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="MAN OF THE MATCH: Best player on the pitch. Showed off his dribbling ability on several occasions, driving through the Portsmouth ranks at pace, twisting and turning his way into space. Assisted the first goal with a wonderful low cross, created another chance for Gabriel Martinelli in the first half with a driving run and rasping cross, and then played a key role for Eddie Nketiah’s goal, standing the defender up, skipping to by-line and whipping a delicious cross into the box."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FNELSON_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DM8WzpSd0"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">REISS NELSON</h3> <span class="position">RW,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">8.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">MAN OF THE MATCH: Best player on the pitch. Showed off his dribbling ability on several occasions, driving through the Portsmouth ranks at pace, twisting and turning his way into space. Assisted the first goal with a wonderful low cross, created another chance for Gabriel Martinelli in the first half with a driving run and rasping cross, and then played a key role for Eddie Nketiah’s goal, standing the defender up, skipping to by-line and whipping a delicious cross into the box.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.0" data-name="GABRIEL MARTINELLI" data-meta-a="LW" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="A quieter display from Martinelli on this occasion. Had a couple of dangerous moments when isolated with the opposition full-back, but struggled to get on the ball consistently and cause problems. Was dispossessed a little too frequently as well, though that is to be expected given his vivacious style of play. Worked wonderfully hard throughout, ensuring that he is a nuisance, even when not at his best."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FMartinelli_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3Dvb61jRmB"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">GABRIEL MARTINELLI</h3> <span class="position">LW,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">A quieter display from Martinelli on this occasion. Had a couple of dangerous moments when isolated with the opposition full-back, but struggled to get on the ball consistently and cause problems. Was dispossessed a little too frequently as well, though that is to be expected given his vivacious style of play. Worked wonderfully hard throughout, ensuring that he is a nuisance, even when not at his best.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="8.0" data-name="EDDIE NKETIAH" data-meta-a="ST" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="A really strong performance from Eddie Nketiah. His goal was a quintessential striker’s effort, breaking into the penalty box to first get on the end of a cross and then react first to prod home the rebound. What was more encouraging was his all-around play. Held up possession nicely when dropping deep, span into the channels to stretch the pitch, tracked back to nick the ball away and keep the pressure on. Nketiah was excellent and he is pushing Alexandre Lacazette hard for the starting job."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FNketiah_1045x658_1.jpg%3Fitok%3DezjWR8ou"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">EDDIE NKETIAH</h3> <span class="position">ST,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">8.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">A really strong performance from Eddie Nketiah. His goal was a quintessential striker’s effort, breaking into the penalty box to first get on the end of a cross and then react first to prod home the rebound. What was more encouraging was his all-around play. Held up possession nicely when dropping deep, span into the channels to stretch the pitch, tracked back to nick the ball away and keep the pressure on. Nketiah was excellent and he is pushing Alexandre Lacazette hard for the starting job.</div> </div>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99488" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1209961869-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Ross McCrorie of Portsmouth FC battles for possession with Dani Ceballos of Arsenal during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC at Fratton Park on March 02, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Substitutes</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.0" data-name="DANI CEBALLOS" data-meta-a="SUB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Very good from Dani Ceballos. Offers control, composure, skill, creativity in the midfield. He is very difficult to press because of his twisting dribbling and quick thinking. Still sometimes struggles defensively due to his limited athleticism, but his play in possession is supreme and was precisely what Arsenal needed after a shaky start."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-portsmouth-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-arrived/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FCeballos_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DP2n_Yy1a"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DANI CEBALLOS</h3> <span class="position">SUB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Very good from Dani Ceballos. Offers control, composure, skill, creativity in the midfield. He is very difficult to press because of his twisting dribbling and quick thinking. Still sometimes struggles defensively due to his limited athleticism, but his play in possession is supreme and was precisely what Arsenal needed after a shaky start.</div> </div>
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<p><em>There are no ratings for Granit Xhaka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.</em></p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
