Portsmouth 0 - Arsenal 2 match report: moving on

Arsenal took care of business on the south coast, punching their ticket to the FA Cup 6th Round with a professional, 2-0 win over Portsmouth. Pompey hung with the Gunners for a bit and generated a few half-chances, but they didn’t get their first shot on goal until the 72nd minute when the game was out of reach. They were outclassed, as a League One side should be against a Premier League team.

Sokratis and Eddie Nketiah were the goalscorers for Arsenal. The centerback smashed an educated volley off a recycled corner just inside the post. The striker half-bundled home a ricocheting ball from in close. Reiss Nelson notched two assists in his return to the starting 11. Gabriel Martinelli stood out as well, running himself ragged offensively and defensively. Matteo Guendouzi was his usual self; he covered a lot of ground and made himself a nuisance. Pablo Mari put in a solid debut. I’m interested to see how he fares against stiffer competition; he’s extremely one-footed.

And of course, Mike Dean gonna Mike Dean. The challenge below on Lucas Torreira forced the Arsenal man off on a stretcher. Fortunately, Torreira was examined by the medical staff after coming off, and his injury isn’t as serious as it initially looked. He reportedly didn’t even go to the hospital for further evaluation, although I bet he’ll be checked out more closely at Arsenal’s medical facilities.

Never one to share the spotlight, Mike Dean booked Matteo Guendouzi for dissent for his actions below. Mike Dean just isn’t a good referee.

There’s not much else to be said about this one. Arsenal controlled a match they were supposed to control and got the win. The FA Cup 6th Round draw takes place on Wednesday. The Gunners face West Ham at the Emirates on Saturday.