Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman has once again taken centre stage, scoring twice as the Gunners defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 at Portman Road to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The 16-year-old made his first competitive start of the season count in spectacular fashion, producing a performance that has sent Arsenal supporters into another wave of excitement about the club’s latest academy gem.
Dowman opened the scoring after just seven minutes, showing remarkable composure for a player of his age. He picked up possession, drove at the Ipswich defence and finished clinically after working a combination with Eberechi Eze.
His second arrived just after the restart.
With Arsenal already in control, Dowman found the net again in the 47th minute, calmly finishing from close range to restore the visitors’ three-goal advantage.
HISTORY MADE
The brace placed Dowman in an exclusive group.
According to Arsenal and Reuters, he became only the second 16-year-old to score twice in a match for a Premier League club in all competitions, matching the feat achieved by Wayne Rooney for Everton in October 2002.
His opening goal also made him the third-youngest goalscorer in Carabao Cup history, at 16 years and 258 days. Only former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas and Jack Wilshere had scored younger in the competition.
And remarkably, this is not the first time Dowman has rewritten Arsenal and Premier League age records.
DOWMAN STEALS THE SHOW
The teenager was at the heart of Arsenal’s attacking display throughout the evening as Mikel Arteta made nine changesfrom the side that defeated Sunderland in the Premier League at the weekend.
Noni Madueke added Arsenal’s second in the 16th minute before Dowman struck again early in the second half.
Mikel Merino then made it 4-0 in the 58th minute, although Ipswich pulled two goals back through Anis Mehmeti and former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom.
The comeback never looked likely to succeed, however, as Arsenal comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to book their place in the fourth round.
ARTETA: “WE HAVE TO LOOK AFTER HIM”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Dowman after the match but also stressed the importance of protecting the teenager’s development.
Arteta has previously spoken about the need to give Dowman opportunities without placing unnecessary pressure on him, and his latest performance is likely to increase calls for more first-team involvement.
The manager’s approach is particularly important given how quickly Dowman’s profile has risen.
At just 16, he is already making an impact in senior football — and Tuesday night’s performance suggests Arsenal may have another academy product capable of becoming a major first-team figure.
ARSENAL’S PERFECT START CONTINUES
The victory over Ipswich means Arsenal remain unbeaten across all competitions this season.
After making a heavily rotated lineup, Arteta will be particularly pleased with the contribution from Arsenal’s youngsters, with 17-year-old Marli Salmon also starting at centre-back.
But while the Gunners have plenty of established stars, it was the name of one 16-year-old that dominated the headlines at Portman Road.
Max Dowman. Remember the name.
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