Arsenal vs Port Vale live: Latest score and updates as injury-hit Premier League side bid to avoid Carabao Cup shock

That’s another smooth move from the Gunners. The ball comes inside from the right and is picked up by Merino.

He slips in Eze who takes a first time shot but Joe Gauci stands tall and makes a solid save to keep Port Vale in the contest.

33 mins: Gabriel swings a cross in from the right wing as Port Vale go on a rare foray up the pitch.

Cristian Mosquera is there to easily head the ball clear but these are promising signs for the League One side.

30 mins: Half an hour played and it’s been hard work for Port Vale.

The big fear is that they get tired later in the match and Arsenal run rampant.

Darren Moore will need to manage his substitutions well. He’s deep in conversation on the touchline, probably debating how to get more possession.

A long ball over the top sees Jordan Gabriel dart in behind the high Arsenal line.

He’s beaten to the ball by Kepa Arrizabalaga flying out of his area and the offside flag is raised.

The replays show it was closer than initially thought though.

24 mins: Liam Gordon, one of Port Vale’s key men, was subbed off at the weekend in the win over Mansfield.

He’s a big Arsenal fan and would have wanted to feature in tonight’s match but he has to settle for a seat in the stands.

His face is shown on the big screen and the home fans give him a loud cheer.

21 mins: As expected Arsenal have dominated possession and it’s a tough task for Port Vale to get close to them.

Mikel Arteta will want at least one more goal before he starts thinking about resting his key players for the weekend.

Mikel Merino receives the ball on a quick break and holds it up waiting for reinforcements. Arsenal work it over to Martinelli who cuts in from the left and lifts a cross out of play.

18 mins: Again Headley does well. This time there’s a through ball for Saka’s dart in behind.

Headley sticks with him and touches the ball out for a corner.

The set piece is played short and there’s some faffing about before Saka eventually manages to lift the ball into the box.

14 mins: Jaheim Headley is in for a tough night as he’s being charged with keeping Bukayo Saka at bay.

He does well tracking back to hold off the winger but Saka comes away with the ball and Arsenal look to build another attack.

11 mins: The goal was a lovely, slick move which shows just how much of a gap there is between the different leagues.

Arsenal are just quicker and more precise on the ball.

Ethan Nwaneri drives forward and curls a shot at goal only for a deflection to take it wide of the back post.

Ebere Eze receives the ball just inside the box as Martinelli passes it in from the left.

He guides a cool finish underneath the arms of Joe Gauci and sends Arsenal ahead.

A tough task has just become harder for Port Vale.