The EFL Cup continues to deliver thrilling action, and Arsenal have secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 away win against Port Vale. Mikel Arteta’s men showcased class and composure, blending youthful energy with experienced firepower to edge past a spirited League One side.
🏟️ Match Summary: Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal opened the scoring early in the 8th minute when Ethan Nwaneri Eze converted brilliantly after being set up by Myles Lewis-Skelly. The Gunners dominated possession but couldn’t find the second before halftime, with Port Vale defending deep and threatening occasionally on the counter.
In the second half, Arteta made strategic substitutions to maintain control. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute, when Leandro Trossard doubled Arsenal’s lead after a well-placed assist from William Saliba, sealing the victory.
📊 Match Stats
- Possession: Arsenal 67% – Port Vale 33%
- Shots on Target: Arsenal 7 – Port Vale 2
- Corners: Arsenal 6 – Port Vale 3
- Fouls: Arsenal 9 – Port Vale 12
Arsenal’s technical superiority shone through, while Port Vale’s resilience ensured the game remained competitive until the late stages.
👥 Lineups
Port Vale XI
Stevens, Hall, Curtis, Paton, Garrity, Clark, Cole, Lawrence-Gabriel, Ojo, Stockley, Dowman
Arsenal XI
Raya, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Rice, Eze, Lewis-Skelly, Martinelli, Saka, Merino, Gyökeres
🔑 Key Player Stats (1st Half)
- Eze E. – Goal (8’)
- Lewis-Skelly M. – Assist
- Saka B. – Dangerous runs on the wing, constant threat
🔄 Second Half Substitutions
- 63’ – Dowman OFF | Saka ON
- 66’ – Garrity OFF | Hall ON
- 70’ – Stockley OFF | Paton ON
- 70’ – Cole OFF | Curtis ON
- 71’ – Gyökeres OFF | Merino ON
- 81’ – Trossard ON | Martinelli OFF
- 81’ – Rice ON | Eze OFF
⚽ Turning Point
The introduction of Trossard and Declan Rice in the 81st minute changed the game’s tempo. Arsenal gained midfield control and pressed higher, leading to the second goal that killed off Port Vale’s hopes.
💡 Conclusion
Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Port Vale was a professional performance marked by youthful brilliance from Eze and clinical finishing from Trossard. With the EFL Cup progressing, Arteta will be confident in his squad’s ability to balance domestic and European ambitions.
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