Player ratings from Arsenal's 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup, where 16-year-old Max Dowman stole the spotlight with a brace.
Ipswich Town 2-4 Arsenal: Arsenal Player Ratings as Max Dowman shines
Arsenal's 4-2 victory celebrations (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal maintained their 100% record in all competitions with a convincing 4-2 victory on the road against Ipswich Town, booking their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The Gunners made a flying start as 16-year-old Max Dowman skipped his way through Ipswich’s defence and tucked away the opener. Arsenal continued to turn the screw and just nine minutes later, Noni Madueke doubled their advantage.
Dowman effectively put the game to bed just minutes after the interval, completing his brace with another composed finish.
Mikel Merino added a fourth with a sharp strike that clipped the post on its way into the net.
Ipswich refused to go quietly, with goals from Anis Mehmeti and Chuba Akpom adding a late sting to the contest, but their efforts failed to put a dent in Arsenal’s spirits.
Arsenal Player Ratings:
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 6
In his outing of the new season, Kepa was fairly untroubled until Mehmeti robbed the Arsenal goalkeeper of a clean sheet. The Spaniard will also be frustrated with conceding a late second goal, failing to get across goal quick enough to deter Akpom’s late strike.
Martín Zubimendi- 7
Despite starting in an unfamiliar defensive position at right back, Zubimendi made a solid performance, assisting Dowman’s second goal. However, the Spaniard switched off to allow Ipswich’s first goal of the evening, a lapse that took some of the gloss off an otherwise encouraging outing.
Gabriel- 7
Another calm and composed effort from the Brazilian international, offering support and guidance to Arsenal’s youngster Marli Salmon. An overall excellent 45 minutes in the tank.
Marli Salmon-7
The 17-year-old academy prodigy proved worthy to be starting amongst the Champions. He played with confidence, forcing the turnover of possession on multiple occasions. He switched off slightly for the two goals, but Salmon showed a lot of promise for the future.
Myles Lewis Skelly-7
Despite switching back to left back for the first time since April, Lewis-Skelly looked sharp, dictating play whenever he moved into his more natural midfield role. The 18-year-old’s versatility remains one of the most valuable aspects of his game.
Bruno Guimarães- 7.5
Bruno once again showcased his warrior mentality, relentlessly pressing from the front, which played a key role in Madueke’s goal. Arsenal’s new signing was also not afraid to throw himself into crunching challenges, while proving a valuable attacking asset, providing the assist for Merino’s strike.
Mikel Merino-8
Excellent in attack, providing a clever chip to set up Madueke’s goal. Looked comfortable in duels and made a pinpoint finish to get his first goal of the season. An all-round impressive display for the Arsenal midfielder.
Mikel Merino scored Arsenal's fourth goal of the evening (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Merino scored Arsenal's fourth goal of the evening (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Max Dowman- 9
Arsenal’s wonder kid continued to shine, displaying effortless composure to finish both of his goals with ease. His first was particularly impressive, with the ball seemingly glued to his feet as he showed excellent control under pressure to find the net. This could be just the beginning of another standout season for the 16-year-old.
Max Dowman effortlessly scored two past Ipswich Town (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Max Dowman effortlessly scored two past Ipswich Town (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Eberechi Eze-6
Whilst Arsenal’s attack showcased plenty of quality against Ipswich, Eze endured a relatively quiet evening and struggled to match the influence of those around him. However, he did produce a couple of explosive moments down the left wing and made a sharp pass to set Dowman on his way to score the opener.
Viktor Gyökeres- 4
A disappointing performance from Gyökeres, who remained very static in attack and offered little movement to stretch Ipswich’s defence. He managed just 18 touches in the attacking third and registered just one shot. Numbers that are simply not good enough.
Noni Madueke- 8
Madueke really impressed out on the right, showcasing quick decision-making and dictating play comfortably. After Merino’s looping cross, he brought the ball down brilliantly and fired a rocket strike that Christian Walton could only watch fly past him. A much-improved performance from Madueke.
Madueke made a fierce strike to double the Gunners advantage (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Madueke made a fierce strike to double the Gunners advantage (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Substitutes:
Theo Julienne- 6
It was nice to see another academy talent make their professional debut. Coming into right back, this allowed Zubimendi to switch back to his more familiar role in midfield.
Ife Ibrahim- 5
Coming on in the 85th minute, the 18-year-old didn’t have much time to impress, however it was nice to see another young Gunner come through the academy once again.
Christos Tzolis- 6
Immediately came on with energy and desperation in attack. Looked hungry to score but just didn’t have enough time to contribute much.
Ezri Konsa-6
After coming on at half-time, Konsa replaced Gabriel’s leadership at the back rather well. However, the England international wasn’t switched on enough to cope with Ipswich’s two late goals.
Martin Ødegaard-6
Arsenal’s skipper bought a refreshing presence and added some much-needed energy to the game during a period where the tempo had begun to drop.