STOKE-ON-TRENT – Arsenal progressed to the next round of the Carabao Cup with a professional 2-0 victory over League Two side Port Vale at Vale Park on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The Gunners secured the win with a goal in each half. New signing Eberechi Eze opened the scoring in the eighth minute, netting his first goal for the club since his summer move. The victory was sealed late on by striker Leandro Trossard, who found the net in the 86th minute.
Manager Mikel Arteta opted for significant rotation, handing starts to several squad players. The decision to field England international Bukayo Saka, however, became a talking point. Throughout the match, sections of the home crowd directed boos towards the winger.
The reaction to Saka sparked a divided response online following the game. Some observers linked the jeering to the player’s past experiences with abuse, while others within the Port Vale fanbase described it as mere “banter” related to his playing style.
In a positive note for the future, Academy products Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman were given first-team minutes, coming on as second-half substitutes.
The performance of goal-scorer Eze was highlighted on social media, with influential journalist Fabrizio Romano noting it was the player’s “first Arsenal goal… after [a] beautiful assist against City!” in a recent match.
Attention now turns to the fourth-round draw as Arsenal continues its campaign in the competition.
