‘The best atmosphere. Massive respect. Proper fans’: Portsmouth and Fratton Park praised by Arsenal

Arsenal fans on social media have praised Pompey and Fratton Park following Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Fratton Park.

20,611 supporters were in attendance at PO4 as John Mousinho’s men welcomed the Premier League leaders for a fascinating third-round affair.

Colby Bishop sent the Fratton faithful into ruptures just three minutes into the contest as he netted his strike following an error from Kepa Arrizabalaga.

But an Andre Dozzell own goal as well as a Gabriel Martinelli hat-trick turned the fixture around, with the Gunners going on to claim a 4-1 triumph.

It was a wall of noise throughout the afternoon, though, as the Pompey faithful cheered on Mousinho’s men right until the final whistle.

And that die-hard support has been hailed by Arsenal fans on social media, who were impressed with the Blues and the brilliant atmosphere created at PO4.

Here’s the best of the reaction from X.

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Heavy Arsenal praise for Pompey

@LeoTross19: Portsmouth is the best atmosphere we have played in all season good set of fans to be fair and also play good football, none of that sitting in a low block for 90 min.

@goonerdave66: My first away in a while and let’s just say Gabi mitigated the cold and the wet. Visiting Fratton Park feels like stepping back in time. Quaint and full of character but let’s not draw them again anytime soon.

@AFCGunnerz14: Portsmouth fans are class too by the way.

@Fisseha_Tegegn: That noise from Portsmouth fans when their team scored against Arsenal was unbelievably loud. Still long way to go but there is nothing wonderful in football than enjoying moments, especially when you are playing against a superior team.

@GoonerGirl1969: I'd like to thank Portsmouth for trying to play football and win the game. No low block. No mid block.No parking buses. An old fashioned football match that was actually entertaining and I'm not just saying this because we won 4-1 if have said if we'd have lost.

@roundyclock: Massive respect to Portsmouth for their approach. It made for a proper, entertaining game of football. That kind of match is a credit to the sport, regardless of the result. Hope to see more of that from teams.

@JakeH1886: Can’t help but laugh at the instant mass of abusive hand gestures as it flies past the post hahaha proper fans at Pompey. Hope you lot stay up

@Phezthorz: One thing I love about the Portsmouth Vs Arsenal was that Despite the 4-1 loss to Portsmouth, their fans were all still in attendance and were still shouting, hailing, and singing like they are the actual one winning. I love that

@MSmith95372: A wet Sunday afternoon in January in front of the hostile Fratton Park mob is a completely different animal. Very good win by Arsenal in difficult conditions. The pitch was way off what we're used to and Pompey gave a good account of themselves.

@iceshili: Portsmouth fans are amazing. Arsenal fans at the Emirates get quiet when the team is 1-0 in the 30th minute.

@AFCMattxx: A tough game at Fratton Park today. Portsmouth started really well, pressed us to a point where I don't even think our players were even expected that high a press. Set pieces were the decider in this game, where we dominated that aspect both offensively and defensively. Unfortunate for Portsmouth to come out of this with 2 potential injuries. I wish you all the best for rest of these season.

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