Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal Player Ratings: Myles Lewis-Skelly 8.5/10 Rated as Gunners Secure Comfortable 2-0 Win

Arsenal secured an easy 2-0 victory against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup. The match at Vale Park was a showcase of the Gunners' squad depth. It was a routine win for the visitors. Eberechi Eze's early goal in the 8th minute set the tone for the evening. It immediately put Port Vale on the back foot. We noticed that Arsenal controlled the tempo and possession with ease after that. The home side struggled to create any clear-cut chances throughout the contest.

What stood out to us was the performance of the younger players. Mikel Arteta gave them a chance to shine, and they took it. The second goal from substitute Leandro Trossard sealed the deal late on. This match was never really in doubt for Arsenal, who managed the game expertly. Here are the Port Vale vs Arsenal player ratings.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Port Vale

Here are the Arsenal player ratings vs Port Vale.

Goalkeeper

Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6.5: Had a very quiet evening between the sticks. He was barely troubled by the Port Vale attack. From our perspective, he looked composed when called upon. His distribution was decent, and he claimed a clean sheet with minimal fuss. A straightforward night's work for the keeper.

Defenders

William Saliba - 8.0: Simply a class apart. He was imperious at the back, dominating every duel. His passing was near-perfect, boasting an incredible 98% accuracy. We noticed he even contributed an assist. He made the game look incredibly easy. An outstanding performance from the Frenchman.

Cristhian Mosquera - 7.0: A solid and encouraging performance. He partnered Saliba well and showed good defensive instincts. Made seven crucial clearances and was strong in his duels. He looked a bit raw at times but showed plenty of promise. Definitely one to watch for the future.

Ben White - 7.0: A typically industrious performance from White. He contributed well in both defence and attack before his substitution. Created two chances and was always looking to get forward. His versatility is such a huge asset. He did his job without any issues.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - 8.5: Our man of the match. What an incredible display from the youngster. He was absolutely everywhere, winning a perfect 100% of his duels. He provided a brilliant assist and was a constant thorn in the side of Port Vale. His football intelligence, drawing four fouls, was beyond his years.

Midfielders

Christian Nørgaard - 6.5: The anchor in midfield had a steady game. He broke up play effectively and kept the ball moving. We did notice he lost possession a few too many times. However, his work rate and positional awareness were important for the team's balance.

Ethan Nwaneri - 7.0: Another youngster who impressed us greatly. He was full of energy and wasn't afraid to take on a shot. His eight-ball recoveries highlight his fantastic work rate. He showed maturity and confidence on the ball. A very promising talent.

Eberechi Eze - 7.5: Provided the crucial breakthrough with a well-taken goal. He looked sharp and was a constant menace to the Port Vale defence. He missed a big chance later on but his overall contribution was vital. A great performance before he was rested.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka - 6.5: A relatively quiet outing for the skipper. He seemed well-marshalled by the Port Vale defence. He was substituted early in the second half, likely to protect him. Didn't have his usual dazzling impact but still occupied defenders.

Gabriel Martinelli - 6.0: A frustrating night for the Brazilian. From our perspective, he never really got going. He lost the ball too frequently and his final pass was lacking. We definitely expected a bit more from him against this opposition.

Mikel Merino - 6.5: He worked hard leading the line. His role was more about selfless running and creating space for others. He didn't get many clear sights of the goal himself. A decent shift before being taken off.

Substitutes

Leandro Trossard - 7.5: The perfect impact substitute. Came on and sealed the win with a clinical finish. Looked lively and dangerous from the moment he stepped on the pitch.

Gabriel Magalhães - 6.5: Replaced Ben White and slotted in seamlessly. He helped see out the game with no fuss. A solid, if uneventful, cameo.

Viktor Gyökeres - 6.0: Came on for the final 20 minutes but struggled to get involved. The game was already at a slower pace by then.

Max Dowman - 6.0: Replaced Saka and showed some nice touches. The youngster got some valuable minutes under his belt.

Declan Rice - 6.5: Brought on late to add control and experience. He helped Arsenal comfortably see out the victory.

Manager

M. Arteta - 7.5: He got his team selection and tactics spot on. He rotated his squad well, giving key players a rest and youngsters a chance. His team controlled the game from the first whistle to the last. A professional and well-managed victory.

Port Vale Player Ratings vs Arsenal

Here are the Port Vale player ratings vs Arsenal.

Goalkeeper

Joe Gauci - 6.5: Couldn't have done much for either goal. He made a couple of smart saves to keep the scoreline respectable. His distribution was a bit rushed at times. Overall, a decent showing against a top-quality side.

Defenders

Connor Hall - 6.5: The captain put in a real shift. He made several important blocks and tackles. He led his backline with passion and commitment. A performance he can be proud of despite the result.

Jesse Debrah - 5.5: It was a difficult evening for the defender. He struggled with the pace and movement of the Arsenal attack. Lost possession too many times under pressure. A tough learning experience for him.

C. Humphreys - 6.0: He was very strong in the air, winning most of his aerial battles. Made some key clearances to relieve pressure. He was part of a defence that was breached twice but he fought hard.

Midfielders

Jaheim Headley - 6.0: Had a very busy night on the flank. He worked tirelessly and recovered the ball eight times. However, he also found it difficult to retain possession against relentless pressure. A commendable effort.

Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel - 5.0: A really tough game for the midfielder. He just couldn't get a foothold in the match. He lost the ball far too often and struggled to make an impact. Was substituted in the second half.

Rhys Walters - 6.5: One of Port Vale's better performers. He was tenacious in the tackle, winning all three he attempted. Showed great energy and desire in the middle of the park. A really battling display.

Ryan Croasdale - 6.0: Tried his best to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm. He was often outnumbered in midfield but never stopped running. A disciplined but limited performance.

George Hall - 5.5: Largely anonymous during his time on the pitch. He struggled to influence the game in any meaningful way. It was no surprise to see him substituted. A night to forget.

Forwards

Ronan Curtis - 6.5: Looked like Port Vale's most dangerous player. He delivered a couple of excellent crosses and worked hard for the team. He was a bright spark in a difficult attacking effort. A spirited performance.

R. Paton - 5.5: A thankless task leading the line. He was completely isolated for long periods. Barely had a sniff of goal and was starved of service. A frustrating and lonely night for the striker.

Substitutes

Ben Garrity - 6.0: Came on and provided fresh energy but couldn't alter the game's course.

Mitchell Clark - N/A: Was forced off with an injury shortly after coming on.

Jayden Stockley - 6.0: Offered a physical presence but had little service to work with.

Devante Cole - 6.0: Looked lively and had one shot from distance.

Funso Ojo - 6.0: Slotted in after Clark's injury and did a steady job.

Manager

D. Moore - 6.0: His team was organised and showed a fantastic attitude. They fought for every ball against a much stronger opponent. Ultimately, the gulf in class was just too big. He can be proud of his team's effort.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Myles Lewis-Skelly