Max Dowman scored another impressive brace for the Arsenal u18s on Sunday as they defeated u18 Premier League South champions Aston Villa away from home.
Max Dowman celebrates a goal for the Arsenal u18s (Photo via Dowman on Instagram)
Photo via Dowman on Instagram
Though the u18 Premier League title was wrapped up in Aston Villa’s favour earlier this month, the Arsenal u18s had the chance to make a statement in their final game of the season away to the champions.
The young Gunners weren’t hugely impressive in the first half of the season, but they’ve really come into their own recently, driving up the table from ninth to as high as second in just over a month of football.
Reaching top spot was ultimately a step too far, but the team could at least finish third with a win over Villa on Sunday.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Max Dowman of Arsenal is tackled by Samuel Lusale of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal U18 and Manchester United U18 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)
Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images
Max Dowman has been in inspired form as the u18s’ captain for the last couple of months, so it was no surprise that he was the difference maker once again at the weekend.
Arsenal did get handed an early advantage through a straight red card to Villa’s Markie Meade, dismissed for violent conduct. Dowman capitalised just seven minutes later, winning the ball off a Villa defender before turning and firing in at the near post from the edge of the box.
A little after half time, Dowman repeated the trick, spinning and beating four or five defenders before firing another shot into the net. You can watch his two goals here.
Louis Zecevic-John celebrates a goal for the Arsenal u18s (Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter)
Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter
Louis Zecevic-John added a third goal for Arsenal in the 63rd minute, wrapping up the three points and a third-place finish for the Gunners as they leapfrogged Chelsea.
Dowman now has 17 goals or assists in his last seven u18 Premier League fixtures, amid expectations he’ll be involved in the first team’s pre-season tour this summer.
Arsenal u18 lineup vs Aston Villa
Ranson, Julienne, Clarke, Sweet, Washington, Ibrahim, Copley, Dowman, Casey, Harriman-Annous, Zecevic John.
Substitutes
O’Neill (for Ibrahim, 46), Marciniak (for Julienne, 73), Ogunnaike (for Washington, 73), Ismail (for Casey, 78), Porter
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