Arsenal are through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a 2-0 win over Port Vale, with Eberechi Eze grabbing his first goal for the club and Leandro Trossard sealing it late on. The Gunners made nine changes from the side that faced Manchester City, but still showed enough quality and depth to get the job done on a tricky night in Staffordshire, Softfootball reports.
Mikel Arteta pretty much looked satisfied in his post-match press conference via the team website, praising the performance, the debut of Kepa Arrizabalaga, and the toughness of his side despite a much-changed lineup.
He also highlighted the challenges of games like these in the English football world which can be very tricky, stressing how reputations are always on the line when Premier League clubs face lower-league opposition.
On his summary of the performance, Arteta said:
Something that was discussed before the game, I think what was at stake in this game is your reputation as a club, as a team, as an individual. And we play these types of games, I’ve been here long enough to understand it’s going to be very tricky. I think we started the game really well, very dominant, scored a goal, and had another three or four chances that we didn’t manage to score.
In the second half we lost a little bit of grip on the game, especially with the direct play, with all the throw-ins to the sidelines and winning territory, and then again, we lacked a bit of dominance and control. With a few adjustments, we got back to that, and we scored a beautiful goal, the second goal, the ball from Willy [Saliba] and the quality of Leo on the finish is top drawer. In general, happy with the win, the clean sheet and the debut of Kepa for us today, Ebz’s goal, his first for the club and then the fact that even making nine changes, the team can still perform really well.
The Arsenal boss was keen to stress that nights like these carry more than just the result they are a test of identity and mentality. He felt his side rose to that challenge, especially given the squad rotation and the mix of experienced and young players.
Arteta also explained his decision to start Bukayo Saka despite resting several other regulars. The England winger was given just over an hour before being withdrawn, with the manager clarifying that his involvement had been carefully managed, he said;
It was planned – 60 minutes was the maximum. We had four, almost five players already in the line-up that we had to get him out for different reasons, especially for load and coming from long periods out, so, we planned for that. The good thing is that nobody got injured, so he has no muscular issues. So that’s a very positive thing again.
The Spaniard was relieved that Saka came through without any issues, particularly with a huge Premier League clash against Newcastle United upcoming this weekend. He admitted that squad balance is crucial, but maintaining rhythm and sharpness for players like Saka is equally very important.
Rotation was a key massive talking point, with nine changes made to the starting lineup. Arteta hightlighted the importance of using the depth of the squad, while also ensuring that those who come in are able to deliver at the required level.
Yes, and what we need to do as well, apart from that, is generate the performances that we want with the players that haven’t really played together, with a completely different midfield that never played together before, with a frontline that is different as well, Max [Dowman] coming in as well and connecting immediately with the team. It’s a lot of positives to take from the game.
Meanwhile after the game ended, Arsenal boss had a few words to say to the travelling fans, thanking them for their support in an exclusive video shared via the team’s official X handle, see video below;
The Spaniard was impressed by how the players blended together on the night, highlighting the contribution of academy youngster Max Dowman who effortlessly fitted into the setup. For Arteta, these matches are not just about progression in the competition but also about strengthening the squad’s cohesion and building options across all departments.
Reflecting on the quality of the challenge posed by Port Vale, Arteta turned his attention to the wider strength of English football. He pointed to other Carabao Cup fixtures as evidence that Premier League sides cannot afford to take anything for grante, he stated;
Unbelievable how tough it is, and when you look at last night, Liverpool and Chelsea, and how long it took them to actually win the game, you know that you have to expect that if something different happens, great. But you know that you’re going to have to really earn the right to win games here.
The Arsenal boss was firm in his belief that the English football remains one of the most competitive in the world. He praised Port Vale for making life uncomfortable and stressed that no side, regardless of level, should ever be underestimated in this competition.
With Newcastle United awaiting Arsenal at the weekend, Arteta admitted that strong performances in games like these can make his job of selection more difficult but that’s exactly the kind of problem he wants to have, he said;
That’s exactly what we want, that they’re giving us and me those headaches, because I mean that they are so connected with the team that they really want to help the team and deserve to play, and everybody will play a lot of minutes.
The manager hinted that more rotation is likely as the season continues, with the Carabao Cup offering valuable opportunities for players to impress. For him, competition for places will be essential to sustaining Arsenal’s challenge across all fronts.
Eberechi Eze was one of the standout performers on the night, with the £60m summer signing from crystal palace scoring his first goal in Arsenal colours. Arteta praised the midfielder’s qualities, while also noting that there is more to come once he fully intergrates into the team, he stated;
He played very centrally against a team that’s obviously with a 5-4-1; they are a super compact inside. It’s not easy to find spaces, but he’s very capable with the ball. You’ve seen that in another three or four actions that he’s completely through, and playing people through. He still needs a little more time with those guys to understand the timings, especially the things that he needs to do. Then actions like that will be more consistent and better for us. In general, very good – there is still a lot more to give, I think.
The Arsenal boss believes Eze’s versatility will be a major asset. Whether deployed centrally or in wide areas, he feels the midfielder can produce match-defining moments for the team.
Yes, and at the end, what we want to do with him is to get him in positions, in spaces, that he can create his magic moments and the difference in the team. Some of that will be from the wide areas, some of that will be from the right or left in relation to the opposition.
After the game, Arsenal via its official X handle, posted an exclusive interview with Eberechi Eze reflecting on scoring his first goal for the gunners, and also thanking the fans for supporting them away from home in a tough atmosphere, see video below;
Arteta also looked ahead to the next round of the Carabao Cup, where Arsenal will face Brighton & Hove Albion. While he stated how difficult the tie will be,but he was pleased to be drawn at home.
A tough one. At least we’re at home, so that’s always a positive thing. But we know they are a top side and it will be a difficult night.
The Gunners now turn their focus back to the Premier League, but Arteta will take plenty of encouragement from a night where Arsenal’s squad depth, debutants, and new signings all played their part in keeping the club’s Carabao Cup hopes alive.
