Forget Eberechi Eze, ‘powerful’ star proved he’s Arsenal’s signing of the summer during Port Vale win

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Eberechi Eze scored Arsenal’s opening goal and won the Player of the Match award in a comfortable 2-0 EFL Cup win over Port Vale. 

Unlike most of his minutes in an Arsenal shirt thus far, Eberechi Eze played in a central role against Port Vale, sitting alongside Christian Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri.

And although Arsenal were against League One opposition, Eze proved that he is more effective in central areas.

Eze’s superb assist for Gabriel Martinelli vs Man City derived from a central position, and that is also where he’s played his best football for Crystal Palace in the past.

But even though Eze impressed, it was a different Arsenal summer signing who yet again proved that he was brought to the club for an absolute bargain fee.

Cristhian Mosquera was quietly excellent for Arsenal against Port Vale

In place of Gabriel Magalhaes who was afforded a rest, Cristhian Mosquera played at left centre-back, which is supposed to be his weaker side if anything.

But the former Valencia defender was once again oozing with class at the back – he won his duels, was dominating in the air, and he wasn’t at all fazed by what could have been a difficult away trip.

Owing to Arsenal’s sturdy performance at the back, it was one or two attacking performances that took the plaudits on the night.

Eze was good as mentioned, and Max Dowman also looked incredibly exciting coming on from the bench.

But in terms of proving that he could start week in, week out for Mikel Arteta, Mosquera showed that he’s almost on par with Gabriel and William Saliba.

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Martin Keown praised Mosquera recently – he’s already recognising the level of talent Arsenal have brought in.

And considering he cost less than £20m, Mosquera has to be considered Andrea Berta’s best deal since joining the club.

Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber will continue as Arsenal’s starting pair

In terms of the rest of Arsenal’s back line, Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly came in at full-back.

The pair have both been crucial starters for Arteta in the not-so-distant past, and they’ll be hoping to soon win back their starting spot.

In fact, Arteta spoke about Lewis-Skelly playing more minutes before a ball was kicked against Port Vale.

But although it was only a short opportunity for both against Port Vale on Wednesday evening, it is perhaps clear why Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber have won their starting spots.

White and Lewis-Skelly were solid in their minutes – there’s no need for any criticism at all.

But when comparing the duo to Calafiori and Timber, they do seem slightly less authoritative on the ball right now.

Either way, and as with ‘powerful’ Mosquera’s readiness, it’s such a healthy situation with Arsenal, who will be extremely happy with their wealth of talent at the back.