Martinelli Overcomes Backlash as Hat trick Star in Arsenals FA Cup Triumph

Gabriel Martinelli overcame the criticism surrounding his confrontation with injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley to propel Arsenal into the FA Cups fourth round via a 4-1 victory over Portsmouth on Sunday.

The Championship outfit harboured hopes of a shock result against the Premier League frontrunners after taking an early lead in the third minute courtesy of Colby Bishop.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta rotated his squad extensively making ten alterations from the team that played out a goalless draw with Liverpool on Thursday.

Martinelli faced sharp rebuke for attempting to shove Bradley towards the touchline in the dying moments after the Northern Irish player collapsed with a severe knee problem.

Liverpool announced on Sunday that the right back requires an operation and will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

The Brazilian winger extended his apologies to Bradley post match and appeared unfazed by the controversy during the game at Fratton Park.

Arsenal capitalised on their prowess from dead ball situations to reverse the momentum.

Pompeys advantage endured for just two minutes until Christian Norgaard forced the ball over the line from near quarters then Martinelli glanced home his opening goal of the afternoon.

Noni Madueke squandered an opportunity to extend the lead to 3-1 by blasting a penalty wide for the England winger.

Martinelli sealed the contests fate soon after the interval latching onto a delivery from Gabriel Jesus before rounding off his treble from yet another Arsenal set piece delivery.

Darren Fletcher aims to bolster his prospects of continuing as Manchester Uniteds interim boss past Sunday by securing a win against Brighton later thereby sustaining the Red Devils aspirations for trophies this term.

Leeds mounted a second half resurgence to defeat Derby County 3-1 and advance to the fourth round.

The top flight club have suffered only one loss in their previous nine outings distancing themselves from the drop zone.

However they trailed at the break against the second division Derby following a crisp finish into the bottom corner by Chilean forward Ben Brereton Diaz.

Joel Piroe had earlier witnessed his spot kick repelled by Jacob Zetterstrom prior to Leeds conceding but the Dutch forward atoned by contributing to the recovery.

Jaka Bijol delivered the ball into the penalty area and Piroes clever dummy enabled Willy Gnonto to rifle in a leveller on the 55th minute.

Merely four minutes had passed when Piroes driven effort was pushed away by Zetterstrom allowing Ao Tanaka to convert the loose ball.

The hosts confirmed their success in added time as James Justin concluded a swift breakaway move.