Arsenal player ratings from win over Port Vale as Eberechi Eze scores first goal

Eberechi Eze registered his first goal for Arsenal since his summer move (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over League One side Port Vale on Wednesday night to book their spot in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

Christian Norgaard was handed his first start for the Gunners while fellow summer signing Kepa Arrizabalaga made his debut in goal for Arsenal.

Bukayo Saka was named in the Arsenal XI to continue his return from injury, with 18-year-old wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri also in the line-up.

Scroll down for Metro’s player ratings after Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard got on the scoresheet Vale Park.

Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6

The Arsenal goalkeeper didn’t have much to do in the first half, although was alert to a Port Vale chance on 26 minutes and first to the ball before the linesman put his flag up. A poor, nervy pass on 76 minutes gave Port Vale a chance to equalise.

Ben White – 7

Ben White linked up well with Bukayo Saka down the right (Picture: Getty)

White was seen getting forward at every opportunity. His clever pass set up a key chance for Nwaneri in the 12th minute. Linked up well with Saka down the right before he was taken off in the 71st minute.

William Saliba – 7

Some wayward passing from Arsenal’s star centre-back – but he did get the assist for Trossard’s goal and helped keep the clean sheet, in fairness.

Cristhian Mosquera – 6

Key clearance in the 32nd minute but then made a really silly pass with 15 minutes to go, playing it blindly across his own box, which was nearly costly.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8

Myles Lewis-Skelly provided the assist for Arsenal’s first goal (Picture: Getty)

Provided the assist for Arsenal’s opening goal with what looked like a dummy – but turned out to be the faintest of touches. Really strong performance overall and one of the Gunners’ best players.

Christian Norgaard – 6

Norgaard was so quiet that one Arsenal fan described him as a ‘cone’ on social media.

Mikel Merino – 6

Merino’s incisive pass set up a great chance for Eze not long after the half-hour mark. Lucky to avoid a yellow card in the second half as his level dropped off a bit. Was seen going backwards too many times.

Ethan Nwaneri – 8

Ethan Nwaneri was one of Arsenal’s best players in the first half (Picture: Getty)

Nwaneri went close to doubling Arsenal’s lead in the 12th minute, with the teenager denied by a deflection. Glided through the Port Vale team at times. One of Arsenal’s best players, along with Lewis-Skelly and Eze.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Loked bright early-on, creating Arsenal’s first chance and having no problem in his battle with Port Vale’s Jaheim Headley. Generally looked sharp, despite making his first start after a hamstring injury. Faded a little in the second half, especially after a knock on his ankle. Taken off in the 63rd minute to a standing ovation from the travelling Arsenal fans.

Eberechi Eze – 8

Scored Arsenal’s first goal with a tidy finish past Joe Gauci. Tested the Port Vale goalkeeper again in the 36th minute and probably should’ve scored. Strong performance overall.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7

Martinelli very much got the better of Port Vale’s Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel down the left flank. Played a key role in the build-up to Arsenal’s first goal.

Max Dowman – 7

Came on just after the hour mark. Incredible pass set up a chance for Gyokeres late-on. A real bright spark in the second half.

Viktor Gyokeres – 6

Came on in the 71st minute. Should’ve scored about eight minutes later but was too slow to get the shot away.

Leandro Trossard – 8

Came on in the 81st minute, scored the second goal with a smart finish to make things a lot for comfortable for the Gunners.

Gabriel Magalhaes – N/A

Came on in the 71st minute. Not much to report there.

Declan Rice – N/A

Came on in the 81st minute and didn’t really have long enough to make an impact.

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