Passive at Port Vale

The least glamorous of the domestic competitions, but it is a trophy that can be won and something we desperately need to take seriously. The benefit of the squad overhaul this summer is that our second string team is still very strong, it did have a spattering of regular starters, but the lineup was filled with those who don't often start. Port Vale were in decent form heading into this clash having won three of their last four, but they still find themselves 19th in League One. League position means very little in cup competitions as we saw Manchester United bow out to Grimsby in the previous round. A home fixture with a large crowd could trouble any top flight team that rock up expecting an easy game.

Arsenal very quickly allieviated any fears that we would struggle in this one as they notched the first goal of the evening through Eberechi Eze. Gabriel Martinelli received the ball out on the left and played a clever ball into Myles Lewis-Skelly who had burst into the box, he then delicately flicked the ball into the path of Eze who slotted it past the Vale goalkeeper. That was supposed to be the first of many, but in truth Arsenal dropped down to 2nd gear and strolled through the match. They probed a few more times in the first half, but nothing of note. When the 2nd half began it was much of the same, but Port Vale enjoyed more possession. Arsenal were comfortable withstanding the home team's pressure and restricted them to only a couple of half chances.

That seemed to be how the game was going to pan out. Arsenal comfortable soaking up pressure while not exterting too much energy going forward. Max Dowman played a sweet through ball to Viktor Gyokeres, but the defender was quick on the scene to block the resulting shot. Leandro Trossard was the man who wasn't content with just 1-0 score line. The Belgian was picked out from a long ball over the top from William Saliba. A few touches brought him to the edge of the opposition's box and he unleashed a deathly accurate shot into the bottom corner. Port Vale knew they were beaten even before the second goal went in, but that Trossard goal ultimately killed off any hope.

Arsenal's statistics mirrored that of their game against Manchester City. We had 11 shots in total with four on target, this generated 0.99 xG. Within that we produced two big chances. On the flip side Port Vale generated just 0.09 xG with only three shots, none of which were on target.

Player Ratings:

Kepa - 6 - In truth he had very little to do, but did almost everything perfectly which was really nice to see. There was one shaky moment when he put his team mate under pressure immediately with his pass out and Port Vale were able to win possession and get a shot off. It came to nothing, but it provided a wake up call.

White - 6 - His first start since Manchester United away and you could tell there's been a little lay off as he was rusty in a few of his actions. However, we can give him a pass as he has been struck down with multiple injuries over the last year or so. Hopefully he can get back upto speed as he's an incredible asset down that right side and we certainly saw glimpses of that.

Saliba - 8 (MOTM) - While the squad wasn't exactly impressive, everyone kind of did their job and did it well, but I think it was Saliba that really showed his class. Port Vale couldn't get around him and effectively won every duel going. He also provided an excellent assist for Trossard.

Mosquera - 7 - Another game where he demonstrated how good he can be. He seems to be someone that just loves to defend. He's happiest when he's winning headers, tackling and just being a nuisance for attackers. Port Vale couldn't break through the Saliba/Mosquera wall.

Lewis-Skelly - 7 - Due to competing with a maverick like Calafiori, sometimes we forget how talented he is. He stuck to his defensive duties, but also provided options in attack and midfield. Despite Martinelli claiming the assist for Eze's goal, it was Lewis-Skelly who will be officially recognised for it. Whether he did or didn't touch the ball, it was his movement that left the defender confused and made a gap for Eze to run into.

Norgaard - 7 - We're finally seeing the former Brentford captain in action and his role was to deputise for Martin Zubimendi. I think he did it very well. He was all over the pitch creating options for his colleagues and his distribution was extremely accurate. There were a few nice line breaking passes as well.

Eze - 7 - His first half was significantly more impactful than the second, not just because of the goal, but his involvement as well. But, I think that's just due to the Arteta's approach in the second half. Eze is someone that you notice when the team has a lot of possession, out of possession and you forget he's there. That's why I would've rated him higher, but his second half left a little to be desired.

Nwaneri - 7 - I maintain that this guy is our future Odegaard replacement. He just buzzes around the pitch looking for ways to be effective. He's comfortable receiving the ball anywhere and is so quick to turn with it. He's also not frightened to shoot and we need that sometimes, he had a couple of blocked shots, but goals will come for him.

Martinelli - 6 - He started the game full speed and seemed a man hellbent on proving that he should be the starter. He beat his man a couple of times with pace, but there was some moments when the wrong decision was made and it felt like he slipped into old habits. Honestly speaking there wasn't loads wrong with his display, but just those moments let him down.

Merino - 5 - I didn't like this performance at all. It felt like nothing was sticking to his feet and if an attack ended up at his feet, that would be the end of it. He was tepid in possession and often was dispossessed. You felt like Port Vale would target him in if they needed to press someone.

Saka - 6 - It's great to have him back in the team and it was important he got some minutes under his belt, but that's all I can say about his peformance. I think he was slow to react to certain developing situations, quite loose with the ball at his feet and allowed himself to be bullied by the opponents. He did have some good moments, but overall it wasn't his best display.

Substitutes:

Dowman - 7 - You always forget you're watching a 15 year old play football as he's mature beyond his years. He's controlled with the ball at his feet and seems to be making better decisions as to when to release the ball and when to dribble. More exposure to first team football will help refine those skills, but we did witness his passing abilities which was good to see.

Trossard - 7 - He is such an impact from the bench. As much as he feels like he deserves to start, he's much more dangerous when he's brought into the action. He took his goal really well in a game that had a handful of chances.

Gyokeres - 6 - I actually quite liked his cameo, despite not scoring. A few of the runs he made in behind are exactly why we bought him. He was only stopped by some brilliant defending or a heavy initial pass to find his run. I think if he maintains those off the shoulder runs in behind and his colleagues try and find him, then he'll start adding more goals to his game.

Gabriel - 7 - It was a seamless transition from Mosquera to Gabriel. Mosquera moved into right back to replace White. You expect nothing less from Gabriel, just strong defending.

Rice - N/A -

As much as you want to beat these teams 5-0 or 6-0, coming away with no new injuries while key players were rested is far more important. We're through to the next round where we'll face Brighton at the Emirates. The Seagulls are a very good side, but we should beat them without extering too much. Up next though we have an incredibly tough fixture against Newcastle away from home.

As much as I would love to have Nwaneri play, I think if Odegaard is back then he'll start. Other than that the team sort of picks itself, but I would like to have Eze in the team over Martinelli, Merino and Trossard. If we're chasing a goal then at least we have them three to bring on. Barcelona proved that you just need to play football in order to compete against them and actually beat them. We can't get suckered into their tactics that will aim to intimidate. They don't have Alexander Isak this time around and I'm not completely sold on Nick Woltemade yet. It could just be blind optimism, but I do think we can get a result.