Eberechi Eze may have grabbed the winner with a rasping effort, but the real highlight for Arsenal as they beat Mansfield to book their place in tonight’s FA Cup quarter-final draw was the performance of 16-year-old Max Dowman.
Starting in the engine room of a much-rotated side, and making his first start since returning from ankle ligament damage, Dowman was a real livewire. On an untidy pitch, he showed tight control and quick decision-making, linking play, taking on opponents, creating two chances and firing off three shots, two of which were very well saved.
Given the tricky conditions, it was an eye-catching display from the youngster, who also became the youngest player ever to feature in the competition for the Gunners.
Certainly, his teammates were impressed with Eze, reflecting [afterwards](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/38446420/eberechi-eze-max-dowman-arsenal-wonderkid/): “He is a special, special player.
“To be able to play in these types of conditions and do so well on the ball, and dribble the way he was, showed he is a special talent.
“We are all trying to support and help him as much as possible to grow, improve and fulfil his potential.”
Manager Mikel Arteta was similarly [effusive in his praise](https://www.arsenal.com/news/every-word-artetas-post-mansfield-presser): “When the ball is bouncing all over the place and you have people in your back, the way he handles time and space and the touches that he takes, it’s just incredible.
“Especially at the speed that he delivers those actions, but that tells you the talent that we have.”
At the end of January, Arsenal confirmed that Dowman had signed a pre-contract agreement that will see him pen professional terms with the club when he turns 17 at the end of 2026.
Having already featured in all four competitions this season, his challenge between now and the end of May is to push for more opportunities and further cement his status as one of the club’s brightest prospects for the future.
“Max is very different to a lot of players, but he is someone that is confident,” added Eze.
“He believes in his ability a lot. To be fair, that is the same with a lot of the players coming through the academy these days.
“Once they come to train with the first team, they believe in themselves. It is a positive energy to be around.
“He is a special player, but also a special person as well. You can see that he is maturing well and he’s a good guy. It’s fun to be around.”