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Arsenal fought back from an early deficit to defeat Portsmouth 4-1 in the third round of the FA Cup and there were a number of players that stood out.
After Colby Bishop put Pompey ahead inside the opening three minutes, an own goal saw the Gunners level matters just minutes later. Gabriel Martinelli then put his side in front when he headed in from a Noni Madueke corner. Madueke then missed from the spot before the break, but Martinelli grabbed his second minutes into the break, ending a quick move from close range. He then secured his hat-trick when he scored again from a corner.
With Portsmouth causing them some problems, it wasn't an Arsenal performance that blew fans away, but there were certainly a few that stood out among the rest.
1. Gabriel Martinelli
Okay, we all know it so let's get this one out the way.
Martinelli put in a brilliant performance at Fratton Park as he scored the first ever hat-trick of his senior career to fire the Gunners into the fourth round.
His first came when he rose highest to meet Madueke's corner delivery and glance a header into the far corner of the Pompey goal. He then secured his brace as he was in the perfect position to convert from close range after Gabriel Jesus sent a great cross into the box.
The Brazilian grabbed his treble with another header from a corner to put the seal on victory for his side.
Martinelli didn't have to do too much else after than do his job in front of goal, but there is no denying that with a hat-trick that helped his side into the next stage, he was certainly a standout performer.
2. Mikel Merino
Operating in the number six role and leading his side out as captain, Mikel Merino had a big responsibility against Portsmouth and he certainly made his mark.
He was solid at the base of midfield, winning three tackles, five out of six ground duels, and making 10 defensive contributions overall. The Spaniard looked unbeatable at times, often coming out on top when battling with the Pompey players.
Merino also looked impressive in attacking sequences. He skilfully manoeuvred around the pressure of the hosts with pirouettes and looked to get involved where he could.
Having played a more advanced role for the Gunners, he was arguably out of position at Fratton Park, but he did his job well.
3. Ethan Nwaneri
Handed a rare start and his first since 4 November, Ethan Nwaneri knew he had a big opportunity to impress Arteta and he took that chance excellently.
He looked dangerous when on the ball and tried to get involved whenever he could in attack, offering his teammates what he could. He also contributed defensively, making three tackles and winning five out of eight ground duels.
It's going to take a lot more than a good performance against a struggling Championship team to break back into the Arsenal team, but in a season where he has found minutes hard to come by, Nwaneri certainly took his chance when it was given.