While John Mousinho has usually rested players for cup matches, it was sensible going close to full strength for Arsenal. Conceding from three of the first four corners they faced is extremely disappointing, even noting how good Arsenal are from dead balls. This undid a lot of other good work from Pompey. They pressed and hassled Arsenal with real intensity and aggression early on and unsettled them. Arsenal would probably have found a way to win without the set-piece goals but it could have been a fascinating spectacle if they had not been handed a 'get out of jail free' card.

Source: BBC January 12, 2026 09:33 UTC