Arsenal were captained by Bukayo Saka, making his first start since suffering injury against Leeds in the season curtain-raiser. And while Arteta will be pleased with the result he’ll know his side were efficient, but not impressive on the evening as they struggled to break Vale down.
The Gunners needed just eight minutes to open the scoring, with Eze sliding home a low finish after a neat team move. The visitors looked set to run away with it after netting an early goal but found it tough going against a resolute Port Vale side.
Arteta threw on reinforcements in the second half, including Viktor Gyokeres and teenage talent Max Dowman, but it was Trossard who came up with the goods again. The Belgium international fired a low shot into the bottom corner with just four minutes of normal time remaining to seal Arsenal’s place in the next round.
BALLGM rates Arsenal’s players from Vale Park…
Arsenal were captained by Bukayo Saka, making his first start since suffering injury against Leeds in the season curtain-raiser. And while Arteta will be pleased with the result he’ll know his side were efficient, but not impressive on the evening as they struggled to break Vale down.
The Gunners needed just eight minutes to open the scoring, with Eze sliding home a low finish after a neat team move. The visitors looked set to run away with it after netting an early goal but found it tough going against a resolute Port Vale side.
Arteta threw on reinforcements in the second half, including Viktor Gyokeres and teenage talent Max Dowman, but it was Trossard who came up with the goods again. The Belgium international fired a low shot into the bottom corner with just four minutes of normal time remaining to seal Arsenal’s place in the next round.
BALLGM rates Arsenal’s players from Vale Park…
Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):
Making his first appearance this season, but had little to do all evening. Could’ve taken a seat in the away end with the travelling Arsenal fans.
Miles Lewis-Skelly (7/10):
Has been urged by Arteta to make the Arsenal manager’s life difficult this season as he battles for a regular starting place and he responded well by being awarded the assist for Eze’s opener – but whether he got a touch on it is debatable.
Cristhian Mosquera (7/10):
Has impressed following his move from Valencia this summer, plays like he’s been at the club for years. Happy to shift from central to wide positions later in the game. One risky pass raised a few eyebrows.
William Saliba (7/10):
Typically composed performance, snuffed out Vale threats, but had to work hard for the clean sheet.
Ben White (6/10):
Making his return after picking up a knock against Manchester United in the opening day fixture. Made forays forward, but failed to make an impact and hooked off in 71st minute.
Mikel Merino (6/10):
Knows he has a battle on his hands to land a starting place in Arsenal’s talent-laden midfield. Dealt well with Vale’s physical presence, subbed in 71st minute.
Christian Norgaard (6/10):
Making his first start for Arsenal following his switch from Brentford. Busy presence in midfield as Vale pressed to create chances. Solid.
Ethan Nwaneri (7/10):
Promising start to the season after signing a new long-term contract in the summer. Worked hard, but struggled to make an impact in the final third.
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Arsenal captain for the evening and will be very pleased to play just over an hour. Offered threat down the right and was very grateful to be able to shake off a very hefty challenge in the second-half.
Eberechi Eze (8/10):
Confidently scored his first goal for the Gunners in the eighth minute, alive and bright all evening, a constant thorn in Port Vale’s side. Taken off in 81st minute.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Laboured across the front line all evening and while he deserves credit for the leg work, he struggled to create many chances. Subbed with nine minutes remaining.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
Named a very strong side and, despite the nine changes, his side were dominant from start to finish. His side had 82% possession in the opening 15 minutes. Job done.
Max Dowman (6/10):
Youngest Arsenal player to feature in the competition, replacing Saka in the 62nd minute.
Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):
Replaced White in the 71st minute, too few touches to make an impact.
Viktor Gyokeres (6/10):
Brought on to add more attacking threat, replacing Merino in the 71st minute.
Declan Rice (N/A):
Introduced with only a few minutes remaining, no significant impact.
Leandro Trossard (8/10):
Given just under 10mins by Arteta, but did excellently with his control and strike from edge of the box to seal the game for the Gunners.
