According to Moore, Arsenal will 'push' Vale to perform at their peak

When Port Vale plays Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, manager Darren Moore says it will be a "wonderful game" that will push his team to put on their own "elite" performance.

After defeating Championship team Birmingham City in round two, Vale will play the Premier League team, which has won the League Cup twice, at Vale Park at 20:00 BST in the third round.

"You strive to be the greatest every week. The team we're playing on Wednesday makes you have no margin for error in your work, preparation, or performance, but we do that every week in the league," Moore told BBC Radio Stoke.

"For those of us associated with the football team, it's an amazing game. No matter what you're doing, you have to give it your all in this game.

"It's the games that, every week, we're challenging ourselves to be in these situations where we want to be at our best."

Moore is pushing his players to reach their full potential by leveraging Arsenal's prominence.

After defeating Exeter and Mansfield in their past two League One games, Vale moved up to 19th place in the standings.

"We're playing a team that is one of the frontrunners to win the Premier League," he stated.

"But it's a cup game, a one-off, and the players get to pit themselves against the elite, while trying to be elite themselves - that's the psychology."

The FA Cup match on Wednesday reminds us of the last time Arsenal visited Burslem, which was 27 years ago.

Vale forced the then-Premier League winners into extra time in the rematch after a thrilling 0-0 draw at Highbury, but they lost on penalties.

According to Moore, the north London team's return to Vale Park will bring home fans of all ages together in a unique way.

"There's a generation of Port Vale fans that have never experienced seeing a top-flight team come here since last time, 20-odd years ago," he stated.

"There are fans that were here then and are going to be here again, so there are two contrasting factors with the fans that make it so special."

Vale enters the match riding high after consecutive League One victories.

Moore claims that having his players playing well presents him with a "good" problem as opposed to a challenging one.

"This match has been hanging over us ever since the draw was made so for the players to keep their focus and professionalism with those two games, I was delighted," he stated.

"The players' responsibility is to perform well.

"As a manager, you want that. Having a bunch of players that are doing as they should makes this a welcome option rather than a difficult one.

"It benefits me. All I need to do is make sure the players are in the greatest possible mood.

Moore stated that he is ready to take on a "top, top team" regardless of who plays, despite the fact that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is anticipated to rotate his all-star roster for the match.

More than 15,000 people filled Vale Park, and Moore vowed he and his team would relish the moment.

"I've always said I wanted to see it full," he stated. "I'm honored to be in charge of the club, and we'll see that on Wednesday. It will be a time of pride.