Eberechi Eze hails 'special' Arsenal milestone as Mikel Arteta promises much more to come | OneFootball

England star flourished in new role against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup as he opened his scoring account for the Gunners

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Eberechi Eze said it was a “special day” after scoring his first goal for Arsenal.

The England midfielder netted in the eighth minute on Wednesday night as Mikel Arteta’s Gunners won 2-0 away at third-tier Port Vale to book their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Premier League rivals Brighton at home.

“It’s a special day to get my first goal and to win,” said Eze. “It’s important to get through to the next round; that was the main thing. But it’s a special day for me.

“I just somehow found a space inside the box, so I knew that I didn’t have time to take many touches.

“So I was just looking to get a shot off; that was the main thing. Fortunate, and a lot of hard work behind it, but it’s a good day.

“Coming to a place like this, away from home, in difficult circumstances, but finding a way to win, that’s the most important thing. You take it into the next one.”

Arteta was pleased with Eze’s performance, using him as a left No8 for the first time, but he believes there is more to come.

“He played very centrally against a team that’s obviously in a 5-4-1 [formation]; they are super compact inside,” said Arteta.

“It’s not easy to find spaces, but he’s very capable with the ball. You’ve seen that in another three or four actions he’s completely through, and playing people through.

“He still needs to play a little more time with those guys to understand the timings, especially the things that he needs to do.

“Then actions like that will be more consistent and better for us. In general, very good - there is still a lot more to give, I think.”

Leandro Trossard sealed the win for Arsenal late on at Vale Park by scoring a second and they will face the Belgian’s old club, Brighton, in the next round.

“A tough one,” said Arteta. “At least we’re at home, so that’s always a positive thing. But we know they are a top side and it will be a difficult night.”