Arsenal booked their spot in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round with a late 2-0 win at EFL League One side Port Vale.
Ebererchi Eze's first goal since joining the Gunners in August looked to set the visitors on track for a dominant night at Vale Park.
However, as Mikel Arteta's rotated side struggled to wrap the tie up, it took a goal off the bench from Leandro Trossard to secure victory.
It was firmly a case of job done for Arteta, to set up a clash with Brighton & Hove Albion in the next round, and no fresh injuries was the real bonus for the Spanish boss.
Bukayo Saka captained Arsenal in the West Midlands, in his first start since suffering a hamstring injury in the 5-0 win over Leeds United on August 23.
Saka missed the following three games, plus England's two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers earlier this month, before playing a 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw at Manchester City last weekend.
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Arteta is looking to ease him back into match action, with the Gunners No.7 replaced by 15-year-old Max Dowman on 63 minutes, but he will start the incoming Premier League trip to Newcastle United on September 28.
"He comes from an important injury and we need to manage his load," Arteta told Sky Sports at full-time.
"The good thing is nobody got injured, so he has no muscular issues. That's a very positive thing. He will be around for the weekend, yes."
Arteta is expected to recall a host of key names on the road at St. James' Park, including Gabriel, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubmendi, but the main call could be to retain Eze after his superb display in midweek.
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