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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Manchester City sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo for £62.5m

Manchester City have completed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth on a five-and-a-half-year contract. City have paid an initial fee of £62.5m (€72m) for the 26-year-old Ghana winger, who has scored 10 goals and provided three assists for the Cherries in the Premier League this season. His final act for the south coast club was a stunning stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham on Wednesday night.

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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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Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan diagnosed with cancer

Former England and Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer. The 74-year-old was recently admitted to hospital after presenting abdominal symptoms and tests have shown he has the disease for which he is undergoing treatment. Keegan was twice named European Footballer of the Year while at German club Hamburg.

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