Arsenal brushed aside an early shock to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a commanding 4-1 victory over Portsmouth on Sunday, Jan. 11. After conceding inside three minutes, the Premier League leaders quickly asserted control and overwhelmed the Championship side with ruthless efficiency.

The result kept Arsenal firmly on course for a potential four-trophy season, while elsewhere the competition delivered chaos, heartbreak, and fresh pressure for several Premier League sides.

Arsenal recover, Martinelli takes over

Portsmouth stunned the hosts with a third-minute opener, but Arsenal’s response was immediate and relentless. A scrambled equalizer from a corner steadied the Gunners before Gabriel Martinelli struck from another set piece to put them in front.

Missed chances and a first-half penalty miss briefly kept the tie alive, but Arsenal’s quality eventually told. Martinelli completed his hat trick with a composed far-post finish and a towering header, underlining Arsenal’s growing dominance from dead-ball situations.

The win showcased Arsenal’s ability to absorb pressure, respond quickly, and punish opponents once control is established. Even without perfection, the Gunners never looked in danger after the opening exchanges.

United slump, FA Cup chaos unfolds

Manchester United’s troubled season took another blow as Brighton eliminated them 2-1 at Old Trafford. United were outplayed for long spells, falling two goals behind before a late strike offered brief hope that was extinguished by a red card minutes later.

Elsewhere, Leeds United overturned an early deficit to beat Derby County, while West Ham needed extra time to escape Queens Park Rangers amid injury drama and mounting tension. Hull City advanced via penalties, Norwich City cruised, and Mansfield Town produced a notable upset on the road.

As the FA Cup moved into its later rounds, the contrast was stark: Arsenal marched on with authority, while others were left counting the cost of another missed opportunity. [Xinhua]