Positives & negatives from Arsenal's 2-0 win at Port Vale

Negative #1: Arteta missed an opportunity to start Max Dowman

Arteta's team selection will have surprised many. While it was great to see Bukayo Saka getting some minutes after his hamstring injury, it had to considered an uneceassary risk given Noni Madueke's circumstances.

Surely it would have been better to have given Max Dowman a start and used Saka later in the game if needed. Arsenal's worst fears were almost realised after 50 minutes when Saka was on the end of a fierce challenge. It's one thing to pick up an injury in an important Premier League match or Champions League game but throwing away Arsenal's season in the third round of the Carabao Cup is just plain stupid.

The message this sends to Dowman is not good either. The youngster has earned a little more trust than the boss is showing in him. These ties are perfect for blooding youngsters.

Positive #2: Mikel Merino linked up play better than Gyökeres

Mikel Merino gave a good account of himself tonight and Arsenal benefitted from having him up top.

Merino is very good at holding the ball up and bringing others into play. With the ball at his feet, he can play in tight areas, dropping off the centre-backs and making himself available.

The Spaniard allows Arsenal to retain the ball in the final third instead of constantly trying to turn opposition defences around with longer balls. Having both options available to him, Arteta can vary his tactics accordingly.

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