Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah was a notable absentee at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he finished fourth in the final rankings – a placement that surprised many fans and pundits alike.

Salah, who has been one of the most consistent performers in world football over the past few seasons, chose not to attend the Paris event. His omission from the top three sparked debate, with some feeling the Egyptian deserved greater recognition for his performances with Liverpool and Egypt.

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher has doubled down on his earlier controversial remarks, standing by his view that Salah is often undervalued in global discussions about football’s elite. Carragher argued that Salah’s consistency, goal-scoring record, and big-game contributions merit more respect than he is currently afforded.

While the Ballon d’Or spotlight shone elsewhere, Salah’s absence and Carragher’s comments have reignited the debate around how the winger is perceived compared to contemporaries like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé.

Port Vale’s third-round Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal proved to be a landmark occasion at Vale Park, as it drew the club’s biggest home crowd since 1999. The atmosphere was electric, with over 18,000 supporters packing the stands to witness their team take on Premier League opposition.

The last time Vale Park had seen such numbers was over two decades ago, when Liverpool visited for an FA Cup tie that remains etched in the club’s history. Arsenal’s arrival carried a similar sense of occasion, as the Gunners’ stature and the prospect of a cup upset generated huge excitement across Stoke-on-Trent.

For many Vale fans, the night was about more than the result – it was a chance to showcase their club on a national stage and relish the energy of a full house. For Arsenal, it was another reminder of the pull they have across English football, with their travelling support also making their presence felt.

The occasion underlined the magic of domestic cup competitions, where League One and Premier League worlds collide to create nights that live long in memory.

Arsenal will be determined to avoid a potential Carabao Cup upset when they travel to Vale Park to face League One side Port Vale in the third round.

With Mikel Arteta expected to rotate heavily, the tie has the hallmarks of a classic cup banana skin – a Premier League giant testing squad depth against a lower-league side playing in front of a passionate home crowd. Vale Park, with its tight atmosphere, will give the hosts every chance of unsettling the visitors.

The Gunners, however, remain strong favourites. Fringe players such as Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson are expected to start, alongside Hale End youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman, offering both experience and youthful flair. For Arteta, it’s a chance to give minutes to his wider squad while maintaining momentum across competitions.

Arsenal know all too well the danger of complacency in domestic cups, and Arteta will demand focus from the first whistle. With Port Vale eager to cause a shock, the Gunners must balance rotation with ruthlessness if they are to progress without drama.