Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Portsmouth: Player ratings – Reiss Nelson has arrived

By Andrew Dowdeswell

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'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) /
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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)
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) /

Centre-Backs

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.. CB. Arsenal. DAVID LUIZ. 7.5

PABLO MARI. 7.0. 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.. CB. Arsenal