Teenager Dowman impresses with two goals, but Arsenal urge patience
Arsenal's 16-year-old Max Dowman scored twice in a 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich Town, prompting manager Mikel Arteta to stress a cautious approach to his development.
Arsenal teenager Max Dowman scored two goals as his side beat Ipswich Town 4-2 in the Carabao Cup, marking a standout performance after mostly being limited to substitute appearances this season following 13 outings last campaign.
His first goal came from a fine individual run, dribbling past defenders before finishing calmly. His second showed composure as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner. The double made him only the second 16-year-old to score twice in a game for a Premier League club in any competition, after Wayne Rooney did so for Everton against Wrexham in 2002, also in the League Cup.
Despite the display, manager Mikel Arteta emphasised caution. "He is 16 years old and we have to be really cautious. We don't want to stop him, we don't want to put the brakes on him, we need to develop him," Arteta said, adding that more opportunities would come.
A record-breaking rise
Last season, Dowman became the youngest player ever to appear in the Champions League at 15, as well as Arsenal's and the Premier League's youngest ever starter, goalscorer and title winner. His goal against Everton during the title run-in was later voted Arsenal's goal of the season.
Arsenal have won all seven of their matches this season across four competitions, with the same attacking quartet — Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz — featuring in every league game, making it difficult for Dowman to break into the starting line-up regularly. Team-mate Mikel Merino praised his talent but noted he still needs significant tactical coaching given his age.
Dowman is also now one of three teenagers younger than 17 to score in the League Cup for Arsenal, alongside Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere.
