Arsenal Edge Past Port Vale to Reach Carabao Cup Fourth Round

Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Port Vale in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, booking their place in the next stage. In a match held at Vale Park, Eberechi Eze opened his account for the Gunners early on, while Leandro Trossard provided the decisive second goal late in the game.

Arsenal struck first in the 8th minute. After a build-up down the flank, Gabriel Martinelli delivered a low cross. Myles Lewis-Skelly smartly flicked it on, and Eze tucked it past goalkeeper Joe Gauci from close range.

For Eze, this was his first goal for Arsenal, a moment he described as very special given how long he had waited.

Despite the early breakthrough, the game remained competitive. Port Vale defended resolutely and tried to test the Gunners, but they could not find a way through. Arsenal controlled possession but struggled at times to unlock the tight defensive setup of their hosts.

As the match approached its closing stages, Arsenal made decisive use of their substitutions. In the 86th minute, Trossard collected a long ball from William Saliba. He controlled it, cut inside, and curled a precise finish into the bottom corner. That strike effectively ended all doubts.

Arsenal’s win was one of several comfortable results for Premier League teams in this round. Manchester City defeated Huddersfield, Tottenham overcame Doncaster, and Newcastle hammered Bradford 4-1 to remain in the competition.

After these matches, the fourth-round draw was made. Arsenal will host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium.

The early goal from Eze gave Arsenal confidence, but they had to work to break Port Vale down thereafter. Port Vale showed grit and defended well, particularly in midfield and the closing phases. They will likely draw positives from their effort even in defeat. For Arsenal, the match allowed rotation and squad rest ahead of challenging Premier League fixtures, while still securing progress in a knock out competition. Looking ahead, the tie against Brighton presents a significant test, particularly if Arsenal aim to mount a serious Carabao Cup run.