Max Dowman scores twice as Arsenal beat Ipswich to reach Carabao Cup fourth round

Arsenal continued their perfect start to the season as 16-year-old Max Dowman scored twice in a 4-2 win over Ipswich Town to secure a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

The teenager was the key figure in a heavily rotated third-round tie on Tuesday, with both clubs making wholesale changes after their Premier League fixtures at the weekend. There were 19 alterations to the two starting line-ups combined.

Arsenal gave Dowman his first start of the campaign, while 17-year-old centre-back Marli Salmon also made his first appearance in the starting XI this season.

Dowman took only seven minutes to open the scoring. He won possession in midfield before combining with Eberechi Eze and driving towards the Ipswich goal. The forward left two defenders on the ground before calmly finding the net, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Noni Madueke made it 2-0 when Mikel Merino’s flicked pass sent him beyond the Ipswich defence. Madueke kept his composure to complete the move and give the visitors a firm grip on the match.

Dowman struck again after half-time. He controlled Martin Zubimendi’s pass and guided a composed finish into the far bottom corner for his second goal of the night.

Merino extended Arsenal’s lead soon afterwards, with his effort going in off the inside of the post to restore a three-goal advantage.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Dowman’s contribution and his growing influence during the match.

“He was unbelievable again; some of the actions and connections that he can give us on the pitch are just a joy to watch,” Arteta told the club’s official website.

“He was really efficient; he’s getting more and more active in action; he can sustain for longer periods, and we know the talent that we have.”

Ipswich refused to end the match quietly and mounted a late response. Anis Mehmeti converted Jack Clarke’s pass to reduce the deficit before Chuba Akpom produced a composed turn and finish to make it 4-2.

The hosts’ revival came too late to threaten Arsenal’s progress, however, as Arteta’s side managed the closing stages and saw out the victory.

Arsenal will find out their fourth-round opponents on Wednesday. The draw is scheduled to be held after Manchester United’s meeting with Brighton.