Eze has a lot more to give Arsenal after first goal – Arteta

Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze scored his first goal for the club in their 2-0 Carabao Cup third-round victory over League One side Port Vale on Wednesday, following his summer transfer from Crystal Palace in a deal worth an initial £60 million plus potential add-ons.

Eze’s goal came early, in the eighth minute, after a well-orchestrated team move that allowed him a straightforward finish close to the goal. Despite this early breakthrough, Arsenal found it challenging to break through Port Vale’s compact 5-4-1 defensive setup, only securing their second goal late in the 86th minute through substitute Leandro Trossard. The 27-year-old midfielder was the standout attacking performer on the night, demonstrating composure and creativity in tight spaces.

Manager Mikel Arteta praised Eze’s performance but emphasized that the player still has room to grow within the squad. Arteta highlighted Eze’s ability to find and create chances, stating that with more playing time and better understanding of teammates’ movements and timing, his contributions will become more consistent and influential. This goal marks a significant milestone for Eze, whose transfer from Crystal Palace was a major investment by Arsenal, reflecting the club’s ambition to strengthen midfield creativity amid concerns over squad depth.

The signing of Eze represents a strategic enhancement to Arsenal’s midfield options, aiming to add dynamism and inventive playmaking under Arteta’s system. The initial £60 million fee, with £7.5 million in add-ons, underscores Arsenal’s commitment to bolstering their attacking core for both domestic and European competitions. Eze’s ability to operate centrally with pressing resistance and incisive passing aligns well with Arsenal’s tactical approach, positioning him as a key figure for the team’s future progress in the Premier League and cup tournaments.

As Arsenal advance to the Carabao Cup fourth round, Eze’s integration into the squad is expected to accelerate, potentially elevating the club’s attacking threat and offering Arteta greater tactical flexibility moving forward. For Eze, this goal marks the beginning of what could be a prolific chapter in his career at a club with high aspirations.