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Arsenal overcame a spirited Port Vale side to book their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round with a 2–0 victory at Vale Park. Goals from summer signing Eberechi Eze and substitute Leandro Trossard proved decisive, though the hosts pushed Mikel Arteta’s side harder than the scoreline suggests.
Early breakthrough
Arsenal wasted little time asserting their superiority. On eight minutes, Gabriel Martinelli worked space down the left and drilled a ball across goal. It fell kindly for Eze, who calmly slotted home his first goal for the club since joining from Crystal Palace.
That early strike hinted at a long night for Darren Moore’s men, but to their credit Port Vale regrouped quickly. Arsenal dominated possession – at times nearing 80 percent – but struggled to create further clear chances before the interval. The League One side sat deep, denied space between the lines, and forced Arsenal into patient but predictable passing.
Vale grow into the game
The second half brought greater ambition from the hosts. A misplaced pass from Arsenal defender Christhian Mosquera handed Vale midfielder Rhys Walters a half-chance, only for the visitors to scramble clear. Soon after, Devante Cole tried his luck from distance, his effort whistling over the crossbar and briefly lifting the home crowd.
Despite these moments, Arsenal remained largely in control. William Saliba marshalled the back line with authority, while Eze linked play intelligently in midfield. Yet the longer the game stayed at 1–0, the more belief Vale carried that they could nick something.
Trossard settles it late
The contest was finally put to bed four minutes from time. Saliba launched a long ball into the inside-left channel, where Trossard timed his run to perfection. Collecting in stride, the Belgian cut inside and drilled a low finish past Joe Gauci into the far corner. Vale protested for offside, but with no VAR in operation the goal stood.
That strike deflated the hosts and ensured Arsenal’s passage into the next round, where they will meet Brighton.
Standout performers
For Arsenal, Eze’s composed finish and assured display were hugely encouraging signs. Arteta later described the 26-year-old as “a player who will give us so much more” in the months ahead. Saliba, too, was excellent, snuffing out Vale’s sporadic counter-attacks with calm efficiency.
Port Vale could take heart from their defensive organisation and commitment. Walters impressed in midfield with his energy and composure, while goalkeeper Gauci made several solid interventions to keep his side in contention until the final minutes.
Verdict
For Arsenal, this was a professional performance rather than a dazzling one. They controlled the tempo, limited risks, and relied on individual quality to make the difference. For Port Vale, it was a night to savour despite defeat: they held one of England’s elite at bay for long stretches and showed resilience and pride in front of a raucous home crowd.
In the end, class told. Arsenal march on, but Vale depart with credit and encouragement as their focus returns to the League One campaign.
DJ
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