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Gabriel Martinelli was the star of the show as Arsenal defeated Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup, stealing the headlines with a hat-trick.
The Brazilian netted a treble in classic Gunners fashion, heading in twice from corners and also scoring from close range after a quick move that started with a free kick.
While his form has been quite mixed in the Premier League this season, his performance at Fratton Park and in other competitions throughout the campaign have shown England's top flight isn't all that matters for his form.
Gabriel Martinelli proves the Premier League isn't all that matters
🎩 First Arsenal hat-trick ✅ Goes top of the Gunners' scoring charts for the season ✅
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 11, 2026
👏 Gabriel Martinelli 👏 pic.twitter.com/jGRQFpuG74
Martinelli's treble against Portsmouth saw him become Arsenal's top goalscorer across all competitions this season, having now netted nine goals in 24 appearances.
Just one of those have come in the Premier League as he has found the back of the net five times in the Champions League, having scored in all of his games in Europe so far this campaign.
With Leandro Trossard performing well on the left wing, the Brazilian has found starts hard to come by in the league and has started just six of the 16 games in which he has appeared.
When he has played in the top flight, his performances have been mixed, with his only goal coming in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City back in September and providing no assists.
However, as he has evolved into a clutch rotation player, he has shown that the Premier League isn't all that matters for his form as his best performances have came outside of the league, impressing many in the process.
Mikel Arteta is likely to rely on Martinelli plenty in the second-half of the season with the Carabao Cup nearing its conclusion, the Champions League knockout phase commencing, chances of winning the FA Cup very much alive and Arsenal of course hunting for the Premier League title.
The Brazilian will very much come in handy as the Gunners look to challenge for every available trophy throughout the remainder of the campaign and he has shown that while he may not always be a top performer in the league, he will offer his utmost in other tournaments.
If Martinelli can keep putting on displays like his standout showing at Portsmouth and his performances in Europe, he will be crucial asset for Arsenal in their ambitions to win multiple trophies and he may even break back into the Premier League starting lineup.