Max Dowman scores twice as Arsenal teenager earns Mikel Arteta praise in Ipswich win

Mikel Arteta described Max Dowman as “unbelievable” after the 16-year-old inspired Arsenal to a 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town in the League Cup third round at Portman Road on Tuesday.

Dowman scored twice and supplied an assist on his first appearance of the season, taking his opportunity after spending several matches as an unused substitute.

The English midfielder made 13 appearances last season, including a record-breaking outing against Everton in March when he became the youngest player to score in the Premier League.

Arteta has previously compared Dowman with Lionel Messi after the playmaker emerged as a 15-year-old, but the Arsenal manager has been careful not to rush his progress.

Before the match against Ipswich, Arteta said Dowman “will have his minutes and he will have to earn them like anybody else”.

That measured approach has been possible because Premier League champions Arsenal have considerable experience and quality throughout their squad. But Dowman’s performance at Portman Road made it difficult for Arteta to hold back his admiration.

“Unbelievable, he’s unpredictable, he can go either way, so fluid, so nice to watch,” said the Spaniard.

Dowman’s previous appearance came in the final match of last season against Crystal Palace, when Arsenal had already secured the league title. Since then, he has completed his GCSE exams and now faces growing expectations as he begins his first full campaign around the senior squad.

Arteta said Arsenal must protect the teenager while helping him develop in an environment where opportunities are not guaranteed.

“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.”

Despite his obvious potential, Dowman still faces a challenging route to becoming a regular for Arsenal. Arteta is conscious that a number of teenage players have failed to fulfil their early promise, and wants to provide the support needed to avoid that outcome.

Arsenal’s next match is away to Brighton on Saturday, their final fixture before the international break.

Arteta’s side have won all six matches they have played this season across the Premier League, Champions League and League Cup. He made several changes for the trip to Ipswich but was pleased that his reserve players maintained the same competitive standards as the regular starters.

“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.