by Neil Weld
A much-changed Pompey side suffered a 5-0 defeat at Arsenal’s London Colney training base.
The hosts took an early lead when Jon Toral converted Serge Ganbry’s pass and doubled their advantage through Philip Roberts’ header.
Matt Gledhill made a fine save to deny Isaac Hayden after the break, but Gnabry did score Arsenal’s third soon after.
A pair of Gunners substitutes then completed the scoring with Chuba Akpom finding the bottom corner, before Anthony Jeffrey netted late on.
Academy manager Andy Awford said: “I’m bitterly disappointed with the result. Credit to Arsenal – they were better than us in every department.
“We tried a change of system with three at the back. We had three players away with the first team and some injuries from the cup game on Wednesday. We also decided to rest some tired legs.
“But we came up against an Arsenal side playing at their best and sometimes you have to look at what you’re up against.
“We fell well below the standards we expect, however, and will be working hard in training to try to put things right.
“We have a tough match against Crystal Palace next week, so we have to prepare for that and hopefully put in a better performance.”
Arsenal: Charles-Cook; Bellerin, Fagan, Hayden (c) (Glasgow 73), Ormonde-Ottewill; Toral, Olsson, Wynter; Gnabry, Neita (Jeffrey 67); Roberts (Akpom 67)
Sub not used: Vickers
Pompey: Gledhill; Fitzharris, Warren, Grant (Colson 62), Triggs, Butler (c); Jennings (Maloney 32), Awford (Harris 79), Branford, Higgins; Antelmi