Arsenal booked their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after an unconvincing 2-0 win against League One strugglers Port Vale. Eberechi Eze scored the opening goal of the game early on, but the hosts frustrated the Premier League giants for much of the evening. However, the Gunners eventually got a second goal in the 86th minute through substitute Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal signed Eze from Crystal Palace in the closing stages of the summer transfer window after the winger had starred at Selhurst Park. And he scored his first goal for the Gunners on his fifth appearance for the club as he stroked home Myles Lewis-Skelly’s cheeky backheel eight minutes into the match. The away attack was lively at times but lacked a clinical edge, with Trossard coming off the bench late on to kill the game off. And Express Sport rates and slates the Arsenal players.
Arsenal player ratings (4-3-3)
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6
Was rarely troubled as Arsenal enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. Will be hoping for plenty of game time in the cup competitions this season, with David Raya well ahead of him as Arsenal’s No. 1.
Ben White: 5
Found himself in a good position in the box in the first half as he was picked out by Ethan Nwaneri but dithered on the ball as he was dispossessed. Will struggle to usurp Jurrien Timber in the Arsenal starting line-up off the back of his performance at Vale Park.
William Saliba: 6
Barely broke into a sweat but got some much-needed game time following his injury layoff earlier this month.
Cristhian Mosquera: 7
Very comfortable on the ball and looked assured alongside William Saliba. Has impressed when called upon this season and is a capable deputy for either of the Gunners’ regular central defenders.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7
Showed great awareness to set up Eze’s goal as he backheeled the ball to the winger inside the box. Pushed forward and offered support to the Arsenal attack. Could be utilised further upfield this season if he can’t jump ahead of Riccardo Calafiori in the pecking order at left-back.
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Ethan Nwaneri: 7
Arguably Arsenal’s best player as he attempted to get on the ball and drive forward. Continues to excite in attack and has improved since last season.
Christian Norgaard: 6
Aggressive and illustrated his technical prowess, but was too safe at times. Controlled the midfield and will be desperate to get a start in the Premier League.
Eberechi Eze: 7
Found a pocket of space inside the Port Vale box before passing the ball into the back of the net for his first Arsenal goal. Should have netted a second in the closing stages of the first half but his effort was saved.
Bukayo Saka: 6
Made his long-awaited return to action against Manchester City at the weekend following an injury absence and was recalled to the starting line-up at Vale Park. Looked rusty but will have benefited from the game time.
Mikel Merino: 5
Found himself in a dangerous position after being played through by Ethan Nwaneri in the first half but chose to turn back and play safe. A natural striker would have had a field day against a League One side, but the Spaniard lacked urgency.
Gabriel Martinelli: 5
Played a key role in the opening goal but lacked a clinical edge from that point onwards. Was dispossessed late in the first half as Vale searched for an equaliser. Was then beaten to the ball by Vale keeper Joe Gauci as he looked to get in behind the home defence in the second half.
Substitutes
Max Dowman: 7
Came on for Bukayo Saka just after the hour mark after the captain on the night had had treatment for a knock. Looked mature beyond his years as usual.
Viktor Gyokeres: 7
Came on for Mikel Merino with 20 minutes remaining. Took up some good positions.
Gabriel: 6
Replaced Ben White in a double substitution when Viktor Gyokeres came on.
Declan Rice: 6
Replaced Eze inside the final 10 minutes.
Leandro Trossard: 7
Came off the bench for Gabriel Martinelli with 10 minutes remaining and put the game to bed with his second goal of the season.
