Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal: Goals and Highlights
Summary
Arsenal beat League One side Port Vale 2-0 at Vale Park. Mikel Arteta made nine changes from the Premier League draw and his team struggled against the passionate home crowd of 16,326—the biggest attendance at the stadium this century—but went through to the next round.
Eberechi Eze scored his first goal for the Gunners and Leandro Trossard sealed the win. Port Vale, under Darren Moore, went out strong but couldn’t break down Arsenal’s defence and left with their heads held high.
Goals
Arsenal took the lead in the 15th minute when Eberechi Eze pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired a low drive past Gould after a quick exchange with Bukayo Saka, who had just returned from injury. It was Eze’s first goal since his £60 million move from Crystal Palace. Port Vale pushed hard after that but Arsenal doubled their lead in the 68th minute. Substitute Leandro Trossard latched onto a through ball from Christian Norgaard, who made his first start, and slotted a neat finish into the bottom corner for 2-0.
Player of the Match
Eberechi Eze was Player of the Match for his goal and all round performance. Arteta said he has “plenty more to bring” to the team.Port Vale went out strong, creating early chances for Ryan Loft and Ethan Chislett but debutant keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved them.
Arsenal settled into the game with Saka back on the right. Vale hit the post with a Loft header and Noni Madueke tested Gould at the other end. Darren Moore brought his full squad on and Vale pushed hard for the equaliser but Arsenal’s depth, with subs like Trossard, told. A late Vale rally fizzled out and Arsenal are through to the next round against Brighton. This was like a 1998 FA Cup penalty shootout here and shows Arsenal’s cup credentials.
