Martinelli hits hat-trick as Arsenal rout Portsmouth

Gabriel Martinelli responded to his recent criticism by scoring a hat-trick for Arsenal in their 4-1 comeback win over Portsmouth to reach the FA Cup fourth round. Mikel Arteta’s side were, however, given an early scare by the Championship side as Colby Bishop slammed Pompey in front after just three minutes but his side were only behind for five minutes after an own goal from Andre Dozzell.

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Macclesfield pull off FA Cup’s greatest shock knocking out holders Crystal Palace

Non-league Macclesfield produced one of the FA Cup’s most startling upsets when they beat holders Crystal Palace 2–1 in a third‑round thriller, knocking Oliver Glasner’s team out of the competition and sending the Moss Rose crowd into raptures. Captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts struck in each half as the home side – coached by Wayne Rooney’s younger brother John – stunned Premier League side Palace, a team 117 places above them in England’s football pyramid.

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Arsenal frustrated by Liverpool but go six points clear

Arsenal missed a chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Liverpool. The Gunners dominated the opening 45 minutes, but it was Liverpool who had the best chance when Conor Bradley seized on a mix-up between David Raya and William Saliba and sent a chipped effort against the crossbar. Arsenal fired a number of crosses into the box but there was nobody on hand to apply a finishing touch.

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Fernández strikes late as Chelsea dent City’s title hopes

Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Chelsea ended a tumultuous week by claiming a worthy Premier League point at title-chasing Manchester City. The win looked to be heading to City following Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half strike but Argentine Fernandez poked in at the third attempt to rescue a draw. Consecutive draws mean City have now fallen six points behind league leaders Arsenal.

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Rice bags double as Arsenal fightback to beat Bournemouth

Declan Rice scored twice as Premier League leaders Arsenal came from behind to beat Bournemouth. Gunners centre-back Gabriel played a blind pass across his box to gift Evanilson the opening goal for the Cherries but he made up for that with the equaliser. Rice scored a second half brace but Arsenal had a nervy finish after Eli Junior Kroupi gave Bournemouth renewed hope with a fine strike from outside the area.

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