Mikel Arteta has promised Max Dowman further Arsenal opportunities after the 16-year-old produced a stunning two-goal display in Tuesday night’s 4-2 Carabao Cup win at Ipswich Town.
Dowman opened the scoring after seven minutes at Portman Road before adding his second shortly after half-time, helping Arsenal reach the fourth round despite late goals from Anis Mehmeti and Chuba Akpom.
The performance came only hours after Arteta insisted the teenager would have to earn his senior minutes, as ReadArsenal covered in .
Dowman answered that challenge emphatically.
"The hype will only continue to grow!"
Max Dowman that is delightful! 👏 pic.twitter.com/UfFY1VSyXn
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 15, 2026
Arteta promises more Max Dowman chances
Arteta was delighted with the teenager but immediately stressed Arsenal must manage his development carefully.
Speaking after the victory, the Arsenal boss described Dowman as “brilliant” and said his decisive moments had been outstanding.
More importantly, Arteta confirmed the academy graduate “will have full opportunities to play” while Arsenal continue to manage the physical and tactical demands placed on him.
The manager also told that Arsenal must “look after him” because performing consistently at Premier League level at 16 remains exceptionally difficult.
Dowman’s attacking quality was obvious against Ipswich, but Arteta was equally encouraged by his defensive work and ability to sustain Arsenal’s pressing demands.
There are still details to improve.
Arteta highlighted moments where Dowman lost his defensive assignment, reinforcing why Arsenal intend to develop him gradually rather than simply handing him automatic starts.
But after two goals on his first start of the season, Dowman has given his manager another compelling reason to involve him.
Arteta promised opportunities before Ipswich.
Dowman is already making them increasingly difficult to deny.
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