Arsenal player ratings vs Port Vale: Eberechi Eze shows promise in exciting role as William Saliba dominant | OneFootball

Gunners are safely through to the Carabao Cup fourth round as Eberechi Eze opens his account following summer transfer

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal booked a spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup by beating Port Vale.

Mikel Arteta’s team, however, did enough to progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup - which will take place next month.

Simon Collings was at Vale Park to see Arsenal in action...

Kepa Arrizabalaga 6

Handed his debut and had very little to do, except for a few moments where he had to be quick off his line. One hairy moment with a loose pass out from the back.

Ben White 6

A steady performance from the right-back, who has been troubled by fitness issues this season. Understandably lacking in sharpness.

William Saliba 7

In the team due to the fact Piero Hincapie has a groin injury. A dominant display where he gave Port Vale’s nothing to feed off - and he assisted the second goal.

Cristhian Mosquera 6

Fairly solid stuff from the Spaniard, who finished the game at right-back. Guilty of being loose in possession towards the end.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 7

Made his first start of the season and assisted the opening goal with a deft flick. Solid defensively and saw plenty of the ball.

Ethan Nwaneri 6

Picked from the off for the first time this season. Carried the ball nicely and linked up well with Eze, but needed more output.

Ethan Nwaneri in action for Arsenal at Vale Park

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Christian Norgaard 6

Started for the first time since joining in the summer. Neat and tidy at the base of midfield. Kept things simple with his passing.

Eberechi Eze 7 | Star player

Got Arsenal on their way by scoring the opening goal, which was his first in an Arsenal shirt. A promising performance.

Bukayo Saka 6

A surprise starter, although Arteta said on Tuesday he was keen to give him minutes. A few dangerous darts down the right before coming off around the hour mark.

Mikel Merino 6

Returned to the No9 position, which he filled in well at last season. Pretty quiet, although he did slide in Eze for one great chance.

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Involved in the opening goal, as it was his cross that Eze eventually turned home. Started brightly, but faded.

Substitutions

Max Dowman (Saka 63’) 6

Almost created a goal with a lovely ball for Gyokeres. Some sharp moments in his cameo.

Max Dowman replaced Bukayo Saka

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Viktor Gyokeres (Merino 71’) 6

Went close to scoring, but his shot was well blocked. Perhaps should have hit it first time.

Gabriel (White 71’) 6

On for the closing stages as Arsenal closed out the game.

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 81’) 7

Off the bench and on the scoresheet. Took his goal really well, too.

Declan Rice (Eze 81’) N/A