Arsenal player ratings from Portsmouth win as Reiss Nelson shines in FA Cup clash

A much-changed Arsenal side booked their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought win over League One outfit Portsmouth.

The Gunners suffered an early blow when midfielder Lucas Torreira was carried off on a stretcher after a strong coming-together with James Bolton.

Indeed, Portsmouth's much-changed team applied themselves well in the first half, but Arsenal took the lead in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Reiss Nelson crossed from the right and defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who had stayed forward following a corner, supplied a fine finish to make it 1-0 at the break.

Eddie Nketiah doubled Arsenal's lead six minutes into the second half. The 20-year-old benefited from a fortunate bounce in the box before poking the ball home from close range.

Here are how the Arsenal players rated...

Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game with team mates (EMPICS Sport)

Arsenal

Martinez 6

The stand-in stopper didn't have much to do all night - but dealt with anything launched his way.

Sokratis 7

Scored a vital goal, and at a vital time, for the Gunners, giving them the boost they needed going into the break.

Luiz 7

Arguably the most experienced player in this line-up and showed it with a mature display.

Pablo Mari 6

The January loan signing was finally handed his full-team debut but didn't really need to get out of first gear.

Arsenal's Pablo Mari celebrates their first goal scored by Sokratis Papastathopoulos (REUTERS)

Saka 7

Continues to impress in this breakout season. Was a constant menace down the flank.

Guendouzi 6

The hot-headed midfielder found himself booked for a sarcastic reaction towards ref Mike Dean. That was his highlight...

Torreira 6

Fingers crossed he's OK after a collision with Pompey's James Bolton in the 12th minute. Was carried off on a stretcher.

Nelson 8 - MOTM

Played a part in both goals, teeing up Sokratis for his opener before getting involved in the build-up to the second. Needs to kick on now.

Arsenal's Sokratis Papastathopoulos (L) and Reiss Nelson (R) tangle with Portsmouth's Steve Seddon (C) (AFP via Getty Images)

Willock 6

Largely underwhelming display from the youngster and was overshadowed by his fellow forwards who delivered the win.

Martinelli 6

Relatively quiet evening by his standards. Fratton Park is no easy place to go and the League One side dealt with the Brazilian.

Nketiah 7

Repaid Arteta's faith by delivering another goal. This one was a tad fortunate, but they all count.

Subs

Ceballos (on for Torreira, 16 mins) 6

Xhaka (on for Willock, 87 mins) 6

Maitland-Niles (on for Nelson, 90 mins) 6

Subs not used

Leno, Lacazette, Holding, Pepe

Referee: Mike Dean

Attendance: 18,839