Eberechi Eze scored his first Arsenal goal as the Gunners beat Port Vale 2-0 to reach the Carabao Cup fourth round, alongside Manchester City, Tottenham, and Newcastle on Wednesday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was able to exhibit the strength in depth of his squad as Eze, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli were among the nine changes from Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
Eze has made an impressive start after his move from Crystal Palace last month that could be worth up to £68 million ($92 million).
The England international slotted in from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s flick to give Arsenal the perfect start after just eight minutes.
“I’ve been waiting to score for this club for a long time and the first is very special,” said Eze, who was released by Arsenal as a teenager.
The visitors were unable to build on that advantage despite dominating the game.
Devante Cole, son of former Manchester United striker Andy Cole, came closest to a shock equaliser for Vale when his strike flew just over the bar.
Leandro Trossard finally killed the tie off with a powerful and precise finish into the bottom corner five minutes from time.
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Arsenal will host Brighton in the next round.
Phil Foden was City’s key man with a goal and assist as they beat Huddersfield 2-0.
City’s reward is a trip to second-tier Swansea in the last 16.
Holders Newcastle will face Tottenham in the next round after both cruised to victory against third-tier opposition.
Joelinton and William Osula both struck twice as Newcastle beat League One leaders Bradford 4-1.
Tottenham also got the job done inside the opening 20 minutes in a 3-0 victory over Doncaster.
Premier League champions Liverpool will take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the other standout fourth-round tie.
Chelsea travel to Wolves, while Fulham visit Wycombe.
League Two Grimsby, who shocked Manchester United in round two, will fancy their chances of reaching the quarter-finals after being handed a home tie against Premier League strugglers Brentford.
Wrexham’s reward for reaching the fourth round for the first time since 1977/78 is an all-Welsh clash against Cardiff.
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