Eze Strikes as Arsenal Edge Brave Port Vale

A first Arsenal goal for Eberechi Eze and a late finish from Leandro Trossard sent the Gunners through, but Port Vale left the field with their heads held high after pushing a Premier League powerhouse all the way.

Dream Start for Arsenal

It looked like a long night for the hosts when Arsenal broke through within minutes. Gabriel Martinelli slid the ball into the box, Myles Lewis-Skelly cleverly let it run, and Eberechi Eze calmly slotted past Joe Gauci for his first goal in Arsenal colours.

“That first one means so much,” Eze said afterwards, smiling.

With Arsenal fielding a strong side — even giving Kepa Arrizabalaga his first outing — the visitors controlled possession from the start. At times it felt like they could blow Vale away.

Vale Stand Tall

Instead, the League One side refused to fold. Pushed on by the biggest Vale Park crowd of the century, they pressed, harried, and fought for every ball. The atmosphere grew louder each time Arsenal misplaced a pass. By half-time, the deficit was still just one, and hope was alive.

Mikel Arteta admitted afterwards: “In the second half we lost control a bit. Vale were very direct, using long throws and pushing us back. We had to work harder than expected.”

Frustration for the Gunners

Bukayo Saka found little joy, often forced backwards by determined defending and earning jeers from the stands when substituted on the hour mark. The home team even carved out half-chances — a misplaced Cristhian Mosquera pass nearly let them in, and Devante Cole’s fierce strike whistled just over.

For a brief moment, it felt like an upset could be brewing.

Trossard Ends the Contest

But Arsenal’s quality finally told. Deep into the second half, William Saliba sent a long ball forward. Substitute Leandro Trossard controlled, cut inside and drilled low into the corner. The 86th-minute strike ended Vale’s resistance and sealed the win.

Port Vale boss Darren Moore preferred to focus on the positives: “This was a special night. If we can play with this energy in the league, we’ll be fine. We pushed an elite side all the way and I’m proud of the players.”