Portsmouth 0-2 Arsenal: 3 standout performers | FA Cup 2019-20

After a devastating Round of 32 exit in the Europa League, Mikel Arteta’s men looked to bounce back with a visit to Fratton Park. The FA Cup is now the Gunners’ only route to silverware this season, with Arteta desperate to show something for this fast-souring campaign.

In Arsenal's way stood a rampant Portsmouth side, who sit third in League One.

After an intense start from the hosts, it was the visitors who took the lead deep into added time at the end of the first half. Sokratis volleyed home from 10 yards out as Reiss Nelson fizzed in a cross into the box.

The Gunners would double their lead six minutes into the second half as Eddie Nketiah bundled home an effort from close range. Things would stay the same till the final whistle, seeing Arsenal through to their first FA Cup quarter-final in three years.

Here are 3 standout performers from Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Portsmouth.

#3 Pablo Mari

Portsmouth FC v Arsenal FC - FA Cup Fifth Round

Since signing for the Gunners in January, Pablo Mari hadn’t featured for the senior side. The Spaniard had been focusing on getting fit and adjusting to what Arteta demanded of him.

But the 26-year-old was deemed ready to make his first senior appearance on Monday. Alongside a veteran in David Luiz, Mari was in safe hands.

An away trip to the raucous Fratton Park was always going to be a baptism of fire for Mari, with the Pompey known for their high energy and physical style of play. Mari’s box was bombarded with long balls and several crosses, to which the Spaniard responded efficiently.

What was most impressive about the centre-back was his composure on the ball and ability to read Portsmouth’s crosses. In an accomplished first-team debut, the 26-year-old won 3 aerial duels, made 5 clearances and completed 77 passes.

#2 Reiss Nelson

Reiss Nelson made a successful return from injury tonight

After a relatively successful loan spell at Hoffenheim last season, Reiss Nelson has been trusted with a first-team spot this season. Both Unai Emery and Freddie Ljungberg deemed Nelson good enough for the first team.

It looked as though Arteta shared that sentiment, starting him over record signing Nicolas Pepe on several occasions, before the run was cut short by a devastating hamstring injury. But tonight, the 20-year-old looked close to his dazzling best.

Up on the right-hand side, Nelson regularly dribbled past players whilst providing delicious deliveries into the box. Both of Arsenal’s goals came through the workings of Nelson.

The 20-year-old was by far and away Arsenal’s most dangerous outlet, forcing Portsmouth’s LB back into his own half. Before being substituted for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, the winger provided 2 assists, took 9 corners, created 4 chances, completed 27 passes and attempted 1 shot on target.

Nelson proved to Arteta that he was right to show such faith in him before his injury.

#1 David Luiz

Is David Luiz Arsenal's best CB?

Arsenal have often been criticized for their inability to defend under pressure. Over the course of this season alone, we’ve seen Arsenal defenders make countless mistakes and cost their teammates points.

Tonight, the veteran David Luiz used all his experience to keep a clean sheet against a very game Portsmouth side. Arsenal may not have been the most skillful or technical side on the day, but they looked to play to their strengths through physical duels and aerial battles.

Luiz organised a makeshift defence to a rare clean sheet despite facing several long balls. The 32-year-old won 6 aerial duels, intercepted 1 pass and made 6 clearances whilst completing 78 passes in a thoroughly impressive performance.

If the Brazilian continues to play with such authority, it won’t matter which CB stands next to him at the back. And if today’s performance is to go by, Mari and Luiz could form a formidable partnership for the rest of the season - maybe even providing the solidity to push Arsenal towards an unlikely top-four finish.