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: 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)
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) /

Front Three

8.5. 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.. RW. Arsenal. REISS NELSON

6.0. 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.. LW. Arsenal. GABRIEL MARTINELLI

Arsenal. EDDIE NKETIAH. 8.0. 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.. ST