The encounter saw Arsenal take control early, boasting nearly 80% possession in the opening 20 minutes and dictating play across the pitch. Their breakthrough came in the 8th minute: after Gabriel Martinelli’s incisive pass from the left, Lewis-Skelly’s subtle flick allowed the ball to run through to Eze, who calmly finished past Port Vale’s Joe Gauci. This slick move was a fitting way for Eze to open his account for the club, underlining why his acquisition had generated excitement among Arsenal supporters. Eberechi Eze‘s composure in front of goal was a testament to his quality and potential impact for the team.
Despite Arsenal’s overwhelming possession—finishing the first half with nearly 80% and ending the match at 79.5%—Port Vale managed to grow into the game as the first half progressed. Notably, in the 36th minute, Eze was denied a second goal when Port Vale keeper Joe Gauci made a critical save after a clever through ball from Mikel Merino. Port Vale’s defense, marshaled by Connor Hall and Cameron Humphreys, worked tirelessly to contain the Premier League side, while the home crowd’s frustration grew with several contentious refereeing decisions.
Statistically, Arsenal outclassed Port Vale in all key metrics, recording four shots on goal to none from the hosts, and earning two corners. Port Vale, meanwhile, failed to register a single shot on target but did win a handful of free kicks, notably when Ryan Croasdale was fouled by Cristhian Mosquera in the 37th minute. The absence of VAR in this round added an extra layer of unpredictability to refereeing decisions.
For Arsenal, the win means progression to the fourth round of the League Cup, with captain Bukayo Saka leading a side that featured Kepa Arrizabalaga making his debut. The result also aligns with the prevailing betting odds, which heavily favored Arsenal: bookmakers had them at -1000 to win compared to Port Vale’s +4000.
The match was covered live with detailed statistics and commentary available from outlets such as The Telegraph, ESPN, and live highlights shared on Sky Sports Football.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s dominance in possession and the immediate impact of new signings like Eze suggest Mikel Arteta’s squad is well-positioned for a deep run in the competition. For Port Vale, despite the loss, their ability to limit Arsenal to just one goal offers positives as they return focus to their league campaign.