Arsenal Youngster Dowman Delivers EFL Cup Masterclass Against Ipswich
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| Arteta compares Dowman to Messi after teenage sensation shines again |
Mikel Arteta described Max Dowman as “unbelievable” after Arsenal's 16-year-old sensation marked his first appearance of the season with two goals and an assist in their 4-2 EFL Cup win at Ipswich Town.
Dowman, 16, stars with two goals and an assist as Arsenal win at Ipswich...
Mikel Arteta praised “unbelievable” Max Dowman after the Arsenal youngster inspired a 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
Arteta gave Dowman his first appearance of the season and the 16-year-old took his chance, scoring twice and providing an assist in the third-round tie at Portman Road.
The Arsenal manager once likened Dowman to Lionel Messi after the gifted playmaker broke through as a 15-year-old last season.
He made 13 appearances last term and became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with a goal against Everton in March.
Arteta has, however, been cautious with Dowman, who has been an unused substitute on several occasions this season.
Speaking ahead of the Ipswich game, Arteta said Dowman “will have his minutes and he will have to earn them like anybody else.”
There is little need to rush Dowman's development, given the wealth of experience and quality in the Premier League champions' squad.
However, even Arteta had to admit that Dowman produced a masterclass against Ipswich.
“Unbelievable, he's unpredictable, he can go either way, so fluid, so nice to watch,” the Spaniard said.
Dowman's previous outing came in the final game of last season against Crystal Palace, after Arsenal had already been crowned champions.
He has since finished his GCSEs and is looking ahead to a bright future with Arsenal.
Dowman's potential is clear, but establishing himself as a key figure for Arsenal will not be straightforward.
Many teenage talents have faded before fulfilling their promise, and Arteta is determined to provide a supportive environment for the youngster.
“He is 16, we don't really see that in the Premier League,” Arteta said.
“In this environment, we want to develop him and we need to look after him.”
With Dowman waiting in the wings, Arsenal will return to action at Brighton on Saturday in their final game before the international break.
🪄 @Arsenal’s star in the making 💫
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) September 15, 2026
What a performance from Max Dowman 👏#EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/wly1LhN5X7
Arteta's side have won all six of their matches this season across the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup.
After making a host of changes against Ipswich, Arteta was impressed by the attitude shown by his fringe players.
“That's what we want to, to face every game, every competition with the same mentality, attitude and desire and so far we are doing it,” he said.
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